One of your riders has just won a huge title at a national level show. This rider has been with you from the first up/down lesson all the way to a win on the Green Shavings. You pitch the story to a local newspaper with the intent of promoting not only this rider’s great accomplishment but also the American Saddlebred breed as a whole. The problem is, the reporter you are talking to has never sat on a horse, let alone ridden a beautiful, high powered, elegant American Saddlebred. What now?

While explaining the significance of a Louisville win and presenting the American Saddlebred in a way that will draw others to the sport can seem like a daunting task, it doesn’t have to be. With just a small amount of thought and preparation, a well-done interview can have very big results.

The interview

Preparing for your interview is a crucial first step, not only for yourself, but also for anyone else who will be contributing to the story. Proof reading the story before it goes to print is almost unheard of, so you need to make sure you get it right on the first try. Most stories about horseback riding will include a tremendous amount of quotes so it is essential that you have an idea of what you would like to say and how you plan on saying it. Think of it as preparing a speech to give at the Oscars. Those actors who write their speeches ahead of time are much more able to convey their gratitude and thanks than those who walk up with nothing prepared.

Darla Wright and her family-run stable High Tail Acres have been featured in many news stories over the years. She keeps plenty of ASHA pamphlets on hand to give to reporters, and also creates and prints out her own press release in preparation for the reporter’s visit.

“It gives them something written down, that explains what a Saddlebred is,” Darla said.

Sending the reporter back to the newsroom with these two items will help to reduce inaccuracies in the story and give the reporter something to reference back to as they write. But creating the press release has an added benefit, too – it gives you a chance to make sure you have your thoughts organized and that there will be a flow to the interview.

It may not be possible for everyone contributing to the story to be at your barn while the reporter is there, so it is important that they be prepared for a phone call. With almost everyone using cell phones these days, call quality needs to be of the utmost concern. There is nothing worse than talking to someone on the phone and having to constantly ask them to repeat themselves because you cannot understand what they are saying. (Can you hear me now?) Try to set a time with the reporter when you know you will have good cell service and can be in a quiet room with little to no background noise. Unless it is absolutely necessary (and you have tested it with a friend), do not use speakerphone as it tends to cut out more often and voices sound muffled.

Unless you are extremely lucky to have a sports writer with a horse background, you are going to have to give them a Cliff’s Notes on saddle seat riding. Starting with the basics, build it up using references to other types of sports.

“Compare it to something they know; Olympic gymnastics, Division 1 basketball, going to the World Series” says Jessica Verrill of Verrill Stables. “Every sport has their highest level, and Louisville and Kansas City are ours.”

This does not necessarily have to go into the story, but it gives the reporter a reference point for the amount of training and dedication it takes to compete at this level of riding. These are not just kids playing around on ponies in a field; these are dedicated athletes who train three to five days a week.

If possible, have the reporter watch a lesson in progress or a horse being worked so they can see first hand this type of riding. Showcasing the American Saddlebred’s natural abilities, be mindful to avoid using action devices or overly complicated training aids. If the reporter has ridden before, and time allows, offer them a chance to ride a lesson horse or steady show horse. Let the horse do most of your legwork, showing the reporter just how amazing they are.

At some point during the interview you will need to explain how horse shows work. While the horse show system can be confusing to the uninitiated, analogies can once again help you out. Most people have a basic understanding of how dog shows like Westminster feature conformation, field trials, agility, and obedience competitions, so a dog show comparison can often be a useful tool to explain the different classes and levels at a horse show. Though it can be difficult to speak briefly about a subject you love so much, remember that the newspaper only has so much space for every story, so it is crucial to make sure that you get your point across in as few words as possible while retaining the important details. There will always be a certain amount of editing, but “you want to make sure that the reporter does not cut out the important parts of the story,” Darla said.

This is why preparation is so vital.

Pictures

Some newspapers will insist upon bringing a staff photographer to your barn for the interview while others will allow you to submit your own pictures. It is quite challenging to showcase the American Saddlebred’s athleticism and natural abilities with a standing picture.

“This doesn’t really get out the saddle seat image, and doesn't really tell the story,” Darla said.

Still, if you are working with a staff sports photographer, this will be your best option, and there are a number of ways you can help improve the standing photos. First, as the photo shoot is taking place, ask the photographer if you can review the images on the back of the camera to help them pick a few that you like. Secondly, make sure you are portraying the horse in the best possible light. It goes without saying that the tail set should be removed and the horse should be clean and clipped. While the photographer is taking the pictures, assign someone to get the horse’s ears up and, if possible, use a full bridle. A halter will suffice but try to use it without a chain over the horse’s nose.

You should try everything in your power to dissuade the newspaper photographer from trying an action shot; a photographer unfamiliar with horses will not be able to capture the right movement. However, action shots are undeniably more eye-catching to the newcomer. If the publication will allow it, almost every horse show photographer will be willing and able to email an image to the newspaper for a minimal fee, which could easily be recouped if just one person reading the article comes in for a lesson. If you do not have any usable pictures from the show, most barns have an in-house amateur photographer that would be thrilled to have one of their images used in the story.

Public television

Every area in the United States has a local public television station, and most of these have showcased a local horse barn at some point. With television, it is extremely important to be cautious of the surroundings and what you are presenting to such a wide and uneducated audience.

“You’re an ambassador for the introduction to the breed,” said Jessica.

Though we may find the big trotting horses more exciting and more representative of the breed, it may not be the best way to introduce saddle seat riding to the general public. Because of this concern, when the New Hampshire Chronicle came to Verrill Stables, Jessica used country pleasure horses rather than trotting out one of their high-powered park or fine harness horses.

Camera operators love to focus on the horse’s feet and legs, so a light shod horse with no devices will be less likely to draw negative attention or questions. Also, be aware of where videographers set up if they are going to interview someone on camera. Try not to have them set up in front of a stall with a rambunctious stallion or a grumpy mare, and if possible, keep tail sets out of the shot as well. While the traditional tail carriage of the Saddlebred is not something that needs to be hidden, it is much easier to explain one-on-one after a riding lesson to a newcomer.

Whether your rider or barn is being featured in a print newspaper article, an online story or a spot on a local TV station, you are not only advertising your rider’s accomplishment, you are promoting the American Saddlebred and saddle seat riding, and it is vital that Saddlebred lovers everywhere put their best foot forward. For outsiders, a story in the mainstream media may be their first introduction to saddle seat, and, depending on how it is presented, they may just decide to give it a try. The opportunities for promotion are everywhere. With just a little effort, you can be ready for them.