Ashley Stannard

Ashley Stannard was born in Minneapolis and grew up riding and showing hunters and jumpers in the Midwest with Bill Nunn of Skyrock Farm as a working student. After a successful junior career, Ashley continued her education at William Woods University (MO), graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Equestrian Studies in 2007. During her time at the University, she was able to intern with many top professionals such as Linda McClaren, Otis Brown and Patty Stovel. From her location in the Midwest, she was able to compete at the Kentucky Horse Park, American Royal, Lake St. Louis and Tulsa as well as many other top show venues. Upon graduation Ashley competed in the A/O Jumpers with Kim and Andy Barone of Raven Ridge Farm traveling with them to the Colorado summer circuit. Early on, Ashley gained extensive equestrian experience including breaking young horses, teaching, and competing hunters and jumpers at the highest levels.

In her career, Ashley was one of 10 riders chosen in the country for the 2014 George Morris Gladstone program in Antioch, IL. She also was the 2018 World Championship Hunter Rider Central Mountain region Champion, earning the chance to show at the Capital Challenge horse show in the WCHR Developing Professional Finals. Today in Tucson, Arizona, with a passion for teaching riders of all levels as well as riding and showing all types of horses, Ashley concentrates on classical horsemanship and putting horses first.

Ashley attributes much of her success in the professional hunter-jumper world to the guidance and mentorship she received from her esteemed trainers. Bill Nunn, her original mentor, instilled in her a strong foundation in horsemanship and proper flatwork, nurturing her passion for training horses from a young age. Ronnie Freeman, another key figure in her career, coached her to numerous Grand Prix wins and provided invaluable access to knowledge from esteemed horsemen. Under Ronnie’s tutelage, Ashley learned to believe in the potential of every horse and developed a string of successful competitors. Ali Nilforushan introduced Ashley to the elite side of the sport, teaching her how to produce and maintain horses at the highest levels and providing exposure to top riders and Olympians. Joie Gatlin emphasized correct equitation and discipline, serving as a model of professionalism that Ashley aspires to emulate. John McConnell, with his approachable coaching style, instilled confidence in Ashley and reinforced her belief in the capabilities of both rider and horse. Together, these exceptional trainers played pivotal roles in Ashley’s journey to professional success in the hunter-jumper arena and she still gives credit to them today.

Ashley founded Ashbrook Farm in Tucson in the fall of 2010, establishing a renowned hunter-jumper training program. With a dedication to excellence, Ashley has cultivated a program that produces top-tier horses and riders in the southwest region. Accompanying students to prestigious events like the ASPCA Maclay Medal Finals in Lexington, KY, Ashley has fostered a culture of success, with students bringing home numerous championships.

Believing in continuous learning, Ashley regularly hosts and attends clinics, collaborating with fellow horsemen to enhance her team and students’ achievements. Through hard work and a passion for teaching riders of all levels, Ashley has shaped Ashbrook Farm into a brand synonymous with success in major events. As the only professional in Southern Arizona to have clinched Grand Prix victories on multiple horses and secured major Hunter Derbies and Championships, Ashley’s track record speaks for itself.

Her unwavering commitment to excellence and dedication to providing an educational, safe, and enjoyable environment for her clients distinguish Ashbrook Farm as an elite program.

Exclusive Interview: How Ashley Stannard of Ashbrook Farm Picks Her Next Top Horse? (ProQuest) 

EQS Alumni of the Month: Ashley Stannard ’07

Read more from Ashley directly on her blog, hosted on The Chronicle of the Horse