This week I’m excited to be chatting with British dressage rider and trainer Ashley Jenkins. Read on to discover more about Ashley, his horses, ambitions, and top tips for success.
Tell us about you and your horses
Ashley Winning Medium Gold at the Nationals with His Highness
HI my name is Ashley Jenkins I am a twenty nine year-old dressage rider (30 in August!)
I have worked for Dan Greenwood and Jamie Reynolds for the last 10 years where I specialise in training dressage horses. I have always loved the challenge of young horses I really believe it is the most important stage in a horses career.
I have won many young horse classes (and also come last!) 5 national titles and various regional titles. I have always been an animal lover and always try to do my best and improve every horse I ride. I couldn’t wait to finish school and devote my time to training horses.
How did horses come into your life?
Not sure but thankful they did.
How long have you been riding?
The black mare is Bks Fantasia young horse
Twenty five years
When and where do you ride?
I started riding when I was five at my local riding school
How did you start riding?
Ashley Winning on Salsa Hit now a Successful GP horse in USA
Randomly asking my parents aged five to ride a horse and they luckily let me
What you and your horses currently working on?
I currently have 11 horses in training from 4-8 years old.
Mostly young horses, I think it’s really important to work on the basics
What do you love about riding?
I love riding because of the partnership you can build with a horse, if you show respect and love to your horse they will reflect that.
Plus I am not the tallest person and we are all the same height on a horse right?
What you would you like to be doing in the future and do you have any goals?
Ashley hacking in Exmoor with 4 year old Nickname Nancy
Keep riding, keep learning.
Have you ever had to deal with nerves in riding?
Not so much – luckily.
Just concentrate on yourself and your horse and not anyone else
Your Top Tip
Enjoy it and aim to give your horse good experience.
Down the Centre Line
Who would be your dream horse to ride?
Gio I love small pocket rockets
I would also love to ride one of Dorothee Schneiders horses.
Who is your equestrian hero?
Ingrid Klimke, Dorothee Schneider
If you could have 5 people to dinner who would they be?
Piers Morgan, Joan Collins, Bob Marley, Adele and my Husband Callum Hodge
Although Callum doesn’t like Piers Morgan so he would have to sit at the other end of the table
Favourite colour horse?
Black, Dun, all the grey, all the bays
Favourite horse event?
I always love the vibe at the summer nationals
Favourite food?
Thai food or a Steak
Favourite way to relax?
Going out for dinner with Callum and taking our 2 dogs Lola and Piper for a nice long walk
Favourite film?
Bridesmaids
Want More?
If you enjoyed meeting Ashley you might like to view more dressage rider chatting with interviews here You can keep up with Ashley’s progress and check out his instagram page here
