One of the patriarchs of Arabian horse racing and breeding left our earthly company and passes to us a torch that he carried so regally. A Celebration of Life Ceremony was held at the United Methodist Church in Lindale, Texas on December 3, 2005. Joe left with us not only a legacy of fine Arabian bloodlines and a program for Texas racing he literally built from scratch, but he left words for us all to remember. "First we all learn that in life we just give before we can expect to receive. Everyone needs to work collectively to make racing successful."
Joe and Martha Ann Cassel were pioneers in our industry, with horses that have played a key role in the development of Arabian racing. The Cassel program started in 1959 with their acquisition of a mare and foal- a single purchase that brought into the Arabian horse industry a man who would impact the growth and development of the Arabian breed in this country forever. Joe's background working cattle in Texas brought him to the Arabian blood, where he first became aware the athletic ability and tractable disposition were inherent to the breed. The Cassels were active and successful in the show ring as well as racing, and Joe's love for the Arabian brought many new owners to the breed.
"The Arabian horse demonstrates characteristics I admire," said Joe, "love, loyalty, honesty, and gentleness in addition to athletic ability. In many instances they become one's best friend! They have been man's companion in war and peace. They willingly do anything for you if you show them what you want. This is a characteristic developed on the battlefield to save the rider's life. It does not need to be changed, just understood."
Joe Cassel was the first Chairman of the International Arabian Racing Board, serving for six years, and was later inducted to the ARAC Racing Hall of Fame and the Arabian Horse Trust Racing Tent of Honor.
Texas racing is forever indebted to Joe, as he organized the Texas Arabian Breeders Association in May of 1988 with the first meeting in his office in Lindale, Texas. Fourteen people attended and Joe was elected the first chairman.
"Joe Cassel had the foresight to get Arabians included in the Racing Act of the legislature bill legalizeing parimutuel racing in Texas. Joe was getting things done when most of us just had the dream. His leadership pulled us together to organize the Texas Arabian Breeders Association, the official organization for racing in Texas," says Ed Wilson, current president of TABA. "When Gail <Wilson's wife> and I started getting in the Arabian business, we visited Joe and Martha Ann and I always enjoyed visiting with them and have utilized Joe's vast knowldge of pedigrees and horsemanship. I considered him a personal friend, not just a leader in Arabian racing."
Joe Cassel made his way into history with his dedication to the Arabian horse, and paved the way for all of us in Texas Arabian horse racing. "My wish for all owners," Joe said, "is that they experience the pleasure, joy and thrills of showing and racing their Arabians that we have experienced with ours."
Encouraging Growth of the Arabian Horse Industry.
TABA. P.O. Box 215. Forney, Texas 75126. 972-564-9430. Fax 972-552-3613
