In college, Ashley rode on the varsity huntseat team and competed in the IHSA. Ashley also took advantage of some interesting internships in school including working for John Madden's Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament where she landed the promise of a job upon graduation working for John Madden Sales. Another internship provided Ashley with the opportunity to experience the horse country in Europe, working for a sporthorse exporter, Jan Brouwer. This relationship has continued on providing various opportunities in purchasing and riding horses abroad. As mentioned, Ashley went to work for the Maddens' after graduation, heading almost immediately with the horses to Calgary, Alberta to the legendary Spruce Meadows. This led to a wonderful experience finding Ashley in Wellington, Florida the following winter working and riding hunters and jumpers. The relationship from Jan allowed Ashley to meet international dressage rider, Christopher Taylor of Sporthorse International, in Illinois. Ashley traveled from Florida to Kentucky with Chris for a temporary stay before heading up to Chicago. Ashley fell in love with the state and never left! In 2007, Ashley developed Liftoff Equestrian. With the help of the owners of Caerindoll Farm, the program has flourished in providing quality lessons to adults and children along with training for young horses. 2010 has brought in changes for Liftoff and it's clients. After a successful couple of years, the time has come for the business to move where more space is provided. Caerindoll provided a super spring-board to the success of Liftoff, and the new facility, Elmwood is an exciting move for the business! The goal of the program is to provide quality instruction or training to horse and rider. The emphasis of the program is to stress the importance of true horsemanship skills on the ground and in the saddle. |
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