Each breed-specific group is committed to promotion, protection, and development and engage in competitions ranging from judging horses’ confirmation on the lead line to English, Western, Saddle Seat, and/or Driving classes dedicated to the ideals of their breed.
At the 101st Royal Horse Show this past November 9,10, and 11, guests were treated to a uniquie competition called the Battle of the Breeds. This incredible and entertaining competition had each of the various breeds going head-to-head to demonstrate their quality and different movements.
EC caught up with Ashley Cook-Fletcher to learn more about how things went and breed sports overall.
Photo Credit: Howard Schatzberg
Ashley Cook-Fletcher and She Bleu Me Away “Ava” owned by JoAnne Arcand.
Can you tell us more about your breed, the American Saddlebred and your passion for the breed?
I represent the American Saddlebred on the Breed Sport Committee. I am a 4th generation Saddlebred owner and enthusiast, I have and train a number of other breeds, but the Saddlebred will always be my favourite. I think the biggest draw for me to the Saddlebreds, is their willingness to please and their love of their people. The best feeling for me is walking down the aisle in our barn and having every one of them begging for your attention and wanting you to spend time with them, they are a super affectionate and pleasing breed.
What events did you compete in at the Royal and what discipline do you participate in throughout the year?
We had five entries from our farm Sterling Stables LLC in the Battle of the Breeds at the Royal this year. It is a unique, invitation-only presentation that puts together Saddlebreds, Arabs, Morgans, and Friesians to compete to see who the best representation of their breed is against the others. We had three Saddlebreds, one Arab and one Morgan representing our barn this year. We compete in the discipline of Saddleseat riding.
What provinces/states do you show primarily in Canada and USA?
We primarily compete in the US. The Royal was the only Canadian show for us this year. We show from New York, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky to Florida.
What drew you to become involved with EC’s national breed sports committee?
I was asked last fall by a fellow Saddlebred trainer in Alberta if I would be interested in being the representative. I felt it was a good chance for me to give back to the industry, and I am thoroughly enjoying my time on the committee. The committee works really hard to be a voice for the breeds and disciplines that are not as popular as some of the more mainstream disciplines.
Photo Credit: Clix Photography
Ashley Cook-Fletcher with her Saddlebred Mare Nocturnal Memories “Macy”
How else are you involved with the sport?
I am involved full-time! We currently have 27 horses in the barn, so that has me on the go constantly. I train 6 days a week, and during show season we are typically at a show a month from May to November. With the amount of traveling we do to compete, one a month works well for our clients and horses. I also sit on the Board of the United Professional Horsemen’s Association (UPHA) in the US. I am continually finding ways to promote our breeds and disciplines as best as I can.
What changes have seen over the last five years in breed sports in Canada?
I can primarily speak to the breed and discipline in Ontario, and it has been on a slow decline over the past five years. There are fewer barns, and the shows are slowly dying off. A lot of the local fairs have dropped breed-specific classes and are following the model of the Battle of the Breeds classes and making them open to all light horse breeds. Western Canada is seeing quite the opposite of Ontario (and East) — they are having record numbers at their shows and there are a number of barns out there. It’s very interesting to see the difference from across the country.
What do you see for the future?
My hope is to see a resurgence like they are seeing in the west, our shows in the US are well attended and the breeding farms are producing a good number of horses. We are trying to increase our numbers internally to help in any way we can and have some breeding plans mapped out for the near future. I would like to think the energy and excitement of the classes at the Royal will bring some attention to our sport and see people wanting to join in and see what it is all about.
How can people find out more about Saddlebreds?
Through our breed website www.saddlebred.com or www.uphaonline.com, as well as educational events like the Battle of the Breeds.