What happens when someone who grew up a self-described “barn brat,” became an assistant trainer, left the horse business for an entirely different career—and then, years later, came back to help lead the American Saddlebred industry?

We’re talking with ASHBA Executive Director Sara Mayer about exactly that journey—and why she believes some of the biggest opportunities for our breed may still be ahead of us.

We talk about rebuilding trust, getting more people through the doors of our barns, putting fans back in the stands, and creating an association that people don’t just have to join—but actually want to be part of.

Sara reminds us that sometimes the work that changes an industry isn’t the flashy stuff. It’s putting the right pieces in place so the big ideas can finally happen.

There’s a lot happening behind the scenes at ASHBA—and Sara is giving us a look inside.