The ASAW in 2010 ~ A Year in Review

Dear ASAW Members and Prospective Members,

The American Saddlebred Association of Wisconsin (ASAW) had an exciting year in 2010.  The goal of the Association this year was to increase our communication by reaching out to as many Saddlebred owners in the area by using broadcast emails to advise our members and potential members of the activities within the Association.  We also used this type of communication to ask for volunteers for upcoming events we were involved in and it turned out to be quite successful.  

Something new for our members in 2010 was the ASAW Member Benefits package that got mailed to each member of ASAW.  This package consisted of various coupons from establishments that partnered with ASAW.  They were Horse Emporium, Rick Osteen Photography, Valvoline Instant Oil Change, Thunder Bay Grille, Pizza Hut and Careington International (a drug discount card).  This was a huge hit with our membership.  We are negotiating coupons as we speak for 2011.

The ASAW Spring Premier Horse Show this year added “B” classes to the schedule and also moved the date to a more “exhibitor friendly” date.  It was a very successful horse show.  ASAW Summerfun Horse Show added ASAW Member Only classes for Show and Country Pleasure horses.  These two classes were very well attended.  Summerfun also hosted the annual car wash which benefited the ASAW Scholarship Fund.  Thanks to all that participated.

Also new this year was the netbook computer raffle.  250 tickets were sold for chances of winning a HP Netbook Computer. The proceeds from the sale of the tickets benefited the ASAW Scholarship Fund.  All tickets were sold and the winner was drawn at the ASAW Summerfun Horse Show.  Toni Nastali was very excited that she won this great little computer.  We are happy to announce for 2011 that ASAW Scholarship Fund will be raffling an Apple IPad 2.  300 tickets will be sold for $10 a piece, the winner to be announced during the Saturday evening performance of Summerfun Horse Show.  We are asking the various youth groups in the area to sell the tickets on our behalf.  Each individual selling the tickets should clearly put their name on the ticket stub that will be returned to ASAW for the drawing.  Why, because whoever’s name is on the winning ticket will win a custom made shirt from Becker Brothers.  Both the HP Netbook Computer and Apple IPad 2 were graciously donated by Reinhart Partners, thank you to them for partnering with ASAW.  Their generosity is very much appreciated.

As in the past ASAW participated in two all breed equine events that were held in Manitowoc, WI and Madison, WI.  Both events promote the various breeds within the horse world.  ASAW not only participated in the breed presentations but also had a booth set up promoting our breed. The booth contained various clothing items bearing the ASAW logo as well as other Saddlebred images.  These two events have become a Saddlebred fan favorite for buying clothing and other items bearing our beloved Saddlebred horse.

At the end of 2010, the ASAW was happy to announce to the membership that a new and improved ASAW website had been developed.  While still in its infancy, it’s a huge improvement over the old website.  The goal of ASAW is to continually change this website to communicate to our members of upcoming events, as well as posting news articles regarding happenings within our community.  We will also be posting articles about specific people in the industry that reside in our area, telling their stories, documenting the history within our breed and within our area.  

We are excited to announce that ASAW was chosen as the ASHA Charter Club of the Year for 2010.  This is the second time within five years that we have been awarded this prestigious honor.  Thanks to all the board members and general members that helped our Association stand out in the crowd.

I hope you like the changes.  We believe they will benefit our membership and help us to continue to have fun and promote this wonderful breed.  As we continue to use technology, please let me know how we are doing ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ). Also, look for future ASAW news and announcements in your inbox and on our website at www.ASAW.org.

Good luck to all of you in this upcoming year and I look forward to seeing you at the horse shows.

Vicky Holston

President, ASAW