SPECIAL HORSES
Photo by Richard Malmgren
Here's a little about Ashley's most special partners.
While working for Hassler Dressage, Ashley had the opportunity to be the exclusive rider of Mr. and Mrs. Malone's stallion Harmony's Locksley for six years and was able to bring him up from second level in 2009 to ready to compete in his first Grand Prix in 2015. Ashley and Locksley shared an incredible bond and developed an extremely close relationship throughout their journey. After earning the ride on Locksley when he was 9 years old, Ashley worked very hard to gain Lockley's trust. They successfully competed their first full season at Prix St. Georges in 2012 after only two shows at third level since his importation in 2007. Unfortunately following the completion of show season that year, Locksley colicked and required surgery and hospitalization for a month. During this time, Ashley traveled to the hospital before and after work daily to visit her friend. Locksley's recovery was long and it was unclear if he would be able to return to his job as a riding horse (due to an injury sustained to his knee while in the hospital). Against all odds and with careful conditioning, Locksley not only returned to his previous level of performance but exceeded all expectations by progressing all the way to Grand Prix. Ashley had planned to compete him in the Intermediare A and Grand Prix tests for the 2015 show season before her departure from HD. Every moment spent with this beautiful horse has been treasured.
Photo by Richard Malmgren
Photo by Richard Malmgren
Photo by Richard Malmgren
Ashley developed Harmony's Brazil from lower levels to schooling almost all of the Grand Prix in a span of about two years. Brazil came to Ashley with a reputation for being a challenging horse. Through consistent and patient work, Ashley was able to gain his trust and tap into this impressive chestnut's immense athletic potential. Brazil was one of the most athletically talented horse Ashley had the opportunity to ride in her career, and believed he had the talent and ability to go all the way. In 2015 Brazil was ready to compete at Intermediare and was already schooling most of the Grand Prix at Ashley's time of departure from HD. This handsome horse has the most beautiful kind heart and the sweetness in his personality shows through his big soft eyes. He has an incredible work ethic and his commitment to try for his rider is unparalleled. The feeling this talented horse gives his rider is like no other- his power and talent were very inspiring!
Photo by Richard Malmgren
In addition to developing many FEI level horses, Ashley has had experience starting young horses with her most successful project being a Hassler bred Wamberto gelding named Walden (Walle). From backing to six years old, Ashley was Walle's exclusive rider and prepared him to be on track for the Developing Horse PSG in 2016. Walle is an absolutely gifted individual who's aptitude for dressage was impressive. Walle was alway eager and willing to learn new things- his enthusiasm for whatever the day had in store was infectious. He has a quiet spirit, and a gentle old soul which makes him absolutely a joy to be around. He loved to hack and gallop around the track at Riveredge, and also enjoyed jumping and cavaletti work. In additon to his physical talent and mental trainability, Walle's lightness in the bridle and responsiveness to the aides made him just plain fun to ride every day. The future is surely bright for this talented young man!
Photo by Matt Anzaldo
Photo by Matt Anzaldo
Photo by Matt Anzaldo
These are simply a few of the special and talented horses Ashley had the honor of training in her years at HD. Some other highlights included bringing along Harmony's Wamberto to the FEI levels even schooling much of the Grand Prix as well as being Harmony's Rousseau's rider for the last four years before his retirement. Each horse Ashley had the opportunity to work with taught her, challenged her, humbled her, and helped her become the trainer she is today. She is thankful every day for each horse that has touched her life, and to Mr. and Mrs. Malone who always supported Ashley in her journey with not only these special individuals but also the many other horses they had in training with Ashley over the years. In addition, many thank are due to Scott and Susanne Hassler for supporting Ashley with these incredible horses.