Ashley riding "Liftoff"
Ashley Watts is from the West Coast, born in Washington State. Her love for horses came at an early age. This passion turned into a strong dedication taking her from the hunter pony divisions through upper level jumper divisions. "Liftoff" was the show name of Ashley's jumper and is the inspiration for the business name. Ashley showed and worked on the West Coast until school took her to Cazenovia College in upstate New York.
In college, Ashley rode and competed in the open division for the IHSA on Cazenovia's Varsity Huntseat Team. Ashley also took advantage of some interesting internships 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 exciting internship provided Ashley with the opportunity to experience the horse country in Europe, working for Jan Brouwer in Holland. This internship taught Ashley the ins and outs of searching for and finding the perfect sporthorse prospect or "school master" for clients from the United States. This relationship with Jan has continued on providing various opportunities in purchasing and riding horses abroad.
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Ashley graduated from Cazenovia with a Business Management Degree with a Specialization in Equine Studies, along with a Teaching Theories and Methods Certification through the college.
After graduation, Ashley went to work for the Maddens'; heading almost immediately with the horses to Calgary, Alberta to the legendary Spruce Meadows. This experience exposed Ashley to top horses and riders. After working for the Maddens' for a season, Ashley found her way to Wellington, Florida working and riding hunters and jumpers. Ashley's previous ties with Jan Brouwer allowed her to meet international dressage rider, Christopher Taylor of Sporthorse international, from 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! Ashley worked for several professionals in Kentucky including Otis Brown, Carrie Dahmer and Elaine Schott before deciding it was time to go out on her own. In 2007, Ashley started Liftoff Equestrian. Since its' start, the program has flourished into a full fledged training and lesson program. |
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In June 2017 Liftoff relocated to its permanent location on Huntertown Rd in Versailles. Later that summer Ashley and husband Justin, welcomed their son, Hunter.
Ashley is actively involved in Kentuckys equine industry. She is President of the KY Hunter Jumper Association (since 2021). She also houses horses for Canter KY, a non-profit program that rehabs and retrains off track thoroughbreds for adoption.
Ashleys husband, Justin, is in the Army National Guard. He is essential to the success of the farm and rides his own OTTB "Bo" in ranchorse and competitive trail competitions.
Ashley has her own little menagerie of animals including: 1 goat, 2 pigs, 2 mini-donkeys, a mini horse, a mini cow, and most recently, a mini highland cow. They provide great therapeutic relief for our riders!
Ashley is actively involved in Kentuckys equine industry. She is President of the KY Hunter Jumper Association (since 2021). She also houses horses for Canter KY, a non-profit program that rehabs and retrains off track thoroughbreds for adoption.
Ashleys husband, Justin, is in the Army National Guard. He is essential to the success of the farm and rides his own OTTB "Bo" in ranchorse and competitive trail competitions.
Ashley has her own little menagerie of animals including: 1 goat, 2 pigs, 2 mini-donkeys, a mini horse, a mini cow, and most recently, a mini highland cow. They provide great therapeutic relief for our riders!
The ultimate goal of Liftoff's program is to provide quality instruction and training to horse and rider. We have excellent veterinary professionals and farriers we incorporate into our program and work as a team with horse and rider/owner to keep both performing at their best- no matter what the goals are.
The emphasis of the program is to stress the importance of true horsemanship skills on the ground and in the saddle.
Please feel free to contact us for more information!
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