Walsh Harness and Saddlery has announced the hiring of Samuel D. Shepard as International Sales Manager. Shepard, 30, will oversee both the standardbred and thoroughbred line of Walsh products as the company continues to ramp up its business in the U.S. and abroad

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While the Walsh brand is synonymous with standardbred excellence both inside and outside the U.S, the hiring of Shepard coincides with Walsh’s business plan to introduce the thoroughbred world to the craftsmanship and innovation that has been a staple of Walsh Harness and Saddlery for nearly 100 years.

“The thoroughbred industry is growing leaps and bounds in places you wouldn’t necessarily think of, like Australia and Turkey,” said Shepard. “They just don’t have the quality products over there that they want. My job will be to make sure they do.”

Walsh President and CEO Paul Trieber is excited about what Shepard will be bringing to Walsh. “Sam will allow us to expedite our expansion in providing quality tack to the thoroughbred and international markets,” he said.

Shepard’s strong relationships within the thoroughbred industry and his extensive knowledge of the needs of trainers and horsemen attest to Walsh’s full commitment to thoroughbred horsemen. Long recognized as the leader in crafting racing and training tack for standardbreds, Walsh will aim to duplicate that success with thoroughbreds and internationally.

Born and raised in Kentucky, Shepard spent the last five years as a sales associate for Pinkston’s Turf Goods. He is also a graduate of the prestigious Irish National Stud and has worked with Ashmore Stud (Coolmore) both in Australia and in the U.S.

For recreation, Shepard lives and breathes Kentucky Wildcat athletics, but also claims to have a soft spot for the NY Jets of the National Football League. Shepard is also a family man; his wife Amanda and young daughter Peyton will relocate to Wisconsin in the coming months.

(Walsh)