Saddlebreds Shine at Midwest Horse Fair

Midwest Horse Fair, one of the largest horse fairs in the country, was held April 16-18, 2010, at Alliant Energy Center, Madison WI.  Approximately 56,000 people attended this fair throughout the weekend and it gave ASAW the opportunity to highlight the American Saddlebred to many people who would otherwise not see the breed.

See a video of the ASAW Demonstartion Here (click).

Six saddlebreds were exhibited in the breed presentation both Saturday and Sunday.  The first Saddlebred to enter the ring was World Champion Parade Horse, Clear The Sky, shown and exhibited by Dr. Christine Sannes.  The song “Proud To Be An American” rang over the loud speakers as horse and rider decked out in their gorgeous parade equipment and attire got the crowd excited.  Christine presented a flag that has flown over our national capitol and it always brings goose bumps to those who see it.

Next up, the Fine Harness horse Callway’s Before Sunset driven by Jimmy Bushard and owned by Dan and Mary Bushard.  This young filly strutted her stuff to the music from “Pirates of the Caribbean” while the announcer explained to the crowd what we look for in a fine harness horse.

Three beautiful pleasure horses then entered the ring to the music “Fireflies”.  Callaway’s Colate ridden by Jill Gibson and owned by Mary Hanrahan Bushard, Samantha Kanak riding Nikias, owned by Crest Haven Farm, and last to enter the ring was Twin Oaks Belle, a cute and fiesty pinto owned by George and Mary Lulling and ridden by Kelsey Fitzpatrick.  The announcer explained that Jill and Samantha were attired in riding suits which are appropriate for the show ring, while Kelsey, an academy rider, was dressed properly for a new rider starting out.

The music then hit a crescendo as the song “Eye of the Tiger” began playing.  Entering the ring was Lisa Nesson on Cat Ballou, a stunning five gaited horse with a beautiful flaxen mane and tail.  What an elegant picture they presented.  The two additional gaits of the five gaited horse were explained as Lisa exhibited them to the crowd.

At the end all horses came back in the ring to the music “Olympic Fanfair” and presented themselves again to the exciting crowd.  Everyone was invited back to the barn to meet these wonderful animals.

ASAW also had their booth set up in the coliseum to sell their apparel, bumper stickers, water bottles and all things Saddlebred.  The volunteers did a wonderful job answering any questions people may have about our wonderful breed.

Special thanks to Jimmy and Brandi Bushard, Lisa and Bob Nesson, Dr. Christine Sannes and Christjon Sannes-Mielke and Mary Hanrahan Bushard for their hard work and dedication in this endeavor.  Special thanks to Terra Herale for her coordination of this event.  And to all the volunteers at the ASAW booth for donating their time, we couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you.

See a video of the ASAW Demonstartion Here (click).

Vicky Holston

President ASAW