My name is Leslie Goolsby and like you I am a horse enthusiast! Like most of you, those big brown liquid eyes pulled me in and I never looked back!

But a little about me. I started with my first horse when I could finally afford one. Unlike most passionate riders, I never got to ride as a kid so my first came along when I was in my twenties! One of the best memories I have. Consequently, I learned to ride as an adult. What can I say, the struggle was real!

I trail rode for years then started showing with the Appaloosa association. I went on to show with the Apps for over 20 years And in that time I raised my daughter with them and ran one of the most successful regional associations in country. When I handed over the reins to the regional club we were putting on shows at the Ft. Worth John Justin arena and selling well over 250 stalls per weekend show. Lots of work and lots of great memories.

In my professional career. I began at the age of 19 as a telemarketer, selling pens and pencils over the phone. When opportunity presented itself I co-founded Anchor Graphics Inc., a label, print and box manufacturing company with my Mom. Oftenstaying late into the evenings, creating sample packets, for potential leads, running jobs and shipping products. I worked alongside my mother at our new start-up, figuring out ways to gain customer and navigate an industry solely ran by men. It was just her and I continuing to build the company. When I took the reins to the company and turned my life over to Christ, it really took off. I was able to take a company from thousands of dollars annually to well over a $30 Million dollar business, at time that I sold it last year!

While this was a culmination of my dream I also looked around and said, what will I do. I have been blessed to be able to spend the time practicing with my horses (which I desperately needed- and continue in that need..lol). But I am a builder. I love to build companies, associations and churches. It is my gift, and I love to use it.

Years ago, I was able to purchase my “heart horse” Fish. A beautiful Buckskin with a blanket that included the shape of an igneous – hence the name Fish and a reminder to me that Fish was a gift from God. As I always say about Fish when describing him. I had horses that taught me how to ride, I had horse that taught me how NOT to ride. But Fish taught me how to enjoy the ride. And consequently, how to live. Since I had such love for Fish and wanted to show and ride him any and everywhere I could. I reached out to the ABRA, asking if they would consider allowing “colored buckskins’ in their breed. Unfortunately, I was given a resounding hard NO.

While I lost Fish at the young age of 8 to cancer, I still take him with me every time I walk in the pen. Fast Forward. Two years ago, my trainer walked into the barn with a drop dead gorgeous Smutty buckskin. He said look at my client’s new horse. I said, no no that is my horse. Unfortunately, he was right BUT time would be on my side and the day would come when I again had a gorgeous precious buckskin. While I love my solid Buckskin, I never forgot Fish. As well as all those “colored buckskin eligible horses”!

After attending the ABRA world show for the first time in my life and experiencing the fun and wonderful atmosphere of the ABRA folks. I looked around and said, “how do we get more horse and more people to experience this wholesome, family environment?

Jeff Beadles and I worked together tirelessly ironing out a program that would afford an opportunity to include, not everyone but include those breeders and exhibitors that desired that beautiful Buckskin/Dun colors. Whether they achieved it or not. As for so much while they bred for buckskin. Even if they did not get it. They are part of our buckskin family and ABRA.

With a “think outside the box” point of view that I have used over the years to build in business what others said I could not. I used that mindset and worked hard with Jeff Beadles to bring a proposal to the ABRA board last year that would include those horses like Fish and people like me that just love that Buckskin Dun!

I ask you today to consider the future of the ABRA. I love the family environment, and like you want the opportunity to show with likeminded people and a great organization. As I built my business on the theory that I may not ever be the biggest, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be the best! So, I encourage you to vote for me so that we can make the ABRA the best and most desired after horse and association! We don’t have to be the biggest, but just like our horses we can be the best!

Hi I am the owner and operator of Kirkland Performance Horses in Buckner, Missouri. We specializes in training horses and riders for the All-Around and Ranch events! I have been on the ABRA Board of Directors for one year and have been the chairperson for the Youth Committee. We have made some positive changes and with your vote we can keep moving forward and keep the youth programs going strong.

Thank you for your consideration.

Horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember—my parents say “horse” was my first word. I grew up showing in 4h and open shows before moving up to AQHA, where I qualified for the AQHA World Show in multiple events. In 2021, I bought my first buckskin as a yearling and joined the ABRA. We competed at the ABRA World Show the next year, and I was instantly drawn in by the welcoming community and incredible experience.

I’ve been hooked ever since. When I’m not in the show pen, I love creating content and videos for social media and spending as much time at the barn as possible. I’m excited to help promote and grow the club for the future and showcase the great people and horses that the ABRA has to offer.

My name is Dawn Scully.  I am currently an ABRA carded judge and I hold cards with POA, IBHA, FQHR, WI 4H, Wisconsin Horse Council (WHC), Wisconsin Interscholastic Horsemanship Assoc. (WIHA), and have been judging for 12 years and scribing for 15 years.  My horse experience started about 50 years ago when I began showing open shows myself, and then my children came along and we also continued with showing opens shows as well as AQHA, APHA, and ARHA shows.

During the past years I was a Board Member with Wisconsin Buckskin Horse Association, and have filled positions such as Show Manager, Announcer, Scribe,  and also tracked the club points.  I also had served several terms as a Board Member and Treasurer for Wisconsin Interscholastic Horsemanship Association.  In addition I am currently involved with Dan Grunewald running the office for his Wisconsin Open Horse Show Association (WOHSA) open shows that we host in Wisconsin as well as helping manage his horse training facility.

In conclusion, I have also had the honor to judge the BHAM Congress in Michigan as well as the ABRA World show. I hope with the experience I bring from many different areas, you will see how I can be an asset to this association. I really enjoy the way ABRA takes care of their exhibitors, members, volunteers, and their judges.

My name is Ken Pickering. I am retired and my wife Deb and I live in Runnells, Iowa. We have been members of ABRA more than 30 years. While living in Oklahoma I held several positions with Oklahoma Buckskin Horse Association including President and I am now a life time member. I served on the board of directors for ABRA for six years then took on the duties of World Show Manager. In 2001 I was instrumental in getting the World Show moved to Tulsa and have helped it become the success it is today. In 2015 I was a small part of moving the main office to Tulsa. In 2017 I was asked to take a board position to finish a three year term after Georgie Jones resigned.

I am now asking for your Vote to serve another three years. ABRA has made great improvements over the last few years and it is exciting to be part of the growth we have made. I am currently the chairperson for the World Show committee, and currently serve on the Drug committee and the awards committee. I do not show any more and I do not have anyone showing my only interest is what is best for ABRA. I would like to continue to serve on the ABRA board of directors to continue to bring positive changes to our growing
association.

Thank you for your vote.