In a world where division and discord seem to dominate the headlines, our small equine industry stands at a crossroads. As professionals, participants, and Saddlebred lovers alike, we are faced with a choice: to remain divided by our differences or to come together for the greater good.
Over the past 150 years, our industry has faced and overcome a myriad of obstacles and challenges. From economic downturns to changes in consumer preferences, declines in breeding to shifts in societal attitudes towards animals, our industry has weathered many storms. Despite these obstacles, we have persevered, adapted, and evolved to meet the demands of a changing world. The resilience and determination of those involved in our advocacy have allowed us to overcome adversity time and time again, demonstrating our ability to rise above the challenges that come our way as long as we stand united and work together towards a common goal.
Recently, our industry has become increasingly divided by decisions surrounding our World’s Championship Horse Show. We have seen division among breeders, trainers, owners, and exhibitors, each with their own valid opinions and thoughts. Social media has played a role in exacerbating these divisions, with disagreements and conflicts being aired publicly for all to see, scaring participants and hindering our ability to work collaboratively towards the betterment of our industry.
Just like the majority of you, with each letter I read I become increasingly more sad and frightened for our future — not only for the future of our industry, but for the future of a horse show that I’ve grown up attending and absolutely love.
While no one likes to concede, (especially when they stand firm in their convictions), it is essential that we shift our perspective and view it as a collaboration instead. In the equine industry, as in any field, disagreements and conflicts are inevitable; it’s how we handle these situations that ultimately defines our success. Collaboration requires us to set aside our individual desires and egos in order to find common ground and move forward together. With this mindset, we can foster understanding, compromise, and mutual respect among all stakeholders in our industry. It is through collaboration that we can find solutions that benefit everyone involved, leading to a more harmonious and productive industry as a whole.
We must consider the impact of our actions on public perception. Airing our disagreements and conflicts on social media only serves to further divide us and tarnish the reputation of our sport in the eyes of the public — drawing increased negative attention to an industry that already lives under a microscope. In recent weeks, it has been disheartening to witness the negative tone of our public discourse spreading to other trotting horse breeds as they closely observe our current situation and await the outcome. Our actions, decisions, and ability to navigate these challenges will undoubtedly influence how other breeds approach similar circumstances in the future.
As industry leaders, we must remember the influence we have on those who look up to us. We can either serve as a cautionary tale or a blueprint for others to follow suit. Instead of engaging in public disputes and airing our dirty laundry, we must strive to present a united front and approach adversity with a shred of positivity for the greater good of our sport as a whole. Before pressing send on a divisive post or adding negative comments to a heated thread, we must ask ourselves if our words are contributing to the solution or the problem, and think twice before fanning the flames.
Despite our differences, we all share a common love and passion for horses. This should be the driving force behind our efforts to come together and find solutions that benefit everyone involved. As Abraham Lincoln once said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand." It is time for us to set aside our differences, unite in our love of the breed, and work toward a common goal that will ensure the sustainability and success of our industry for generations to come.
Allison Lambert
Publisher