To all;
Many breeds have championship designations (Legion of Honor, etc.). The Saddlebred breed designates their champions with “CH” in front of the horse’s name.
Just this year, the ASHA BOD has started to revise and open up the CH designation to horses that perform at a high standard outside of the traditional Saddle Seat avenue. They have revised and made more equitable how the hunters and Western horses can achieve their CH designation, and have added the equitation horses as well.
It’s time, I believe, to recognize the Jackie Robinson of the Saddlebred world, Wing Tempo.
Many of you in CTR know of Wing Tempo’s fine record, however, you may not know that Wing Tempo did not have an auspicious start to life.
Wing Tempo was an orphan. His lifetime owner, Shirley Sobol, of North Carolina, found him and took him home in the back of her station wagon. He was not supposed to live. But, given the Saddlebred breeding (by Wing Rhythm out of Too Fresh), and Saddlebred heart, he not only lived, but he triumphed.
In a world dominated by Arabians, Wing Tempo steadily built up the miles. He set the record of 20,710 miles ridden while in his early 20’s. The record was finally broken by Elmer Bandit who had to wait until he was 37 (incredible in itself) to compile the mileage.
Wing Tempo is 34 and is still with us in North Carolina. For years, he has been an unsung hero, breaking barriers and working as a Saddlebred Ambassador.
Won’t you join me in signing your name below in petition to the ASHA BOD to recognize this wonderful example of the Saddlebred?
If you believe that Wing Tempo should be CH Wing Tempo, please add your real name below (or if you are shy, you can PM me).
Regards,
Kathie Dunn
