JG Photographics
Sponsored Rider Ashleigh Keeler
Horse and Rider Bio
Rider:
Ashleigh Keeler
Age:
14
Favourite riding discipline:
Eventing
Number of horses you ride:
1
Horse:
Fleur (Coronation Fleur)
Age:
6
Breed:
Arabian Riding Pony
Best Feature:
Her Head/Face
Favourite Food:
Licorice
About Ashleigh and Fleur
I have been riding since my 7th birthday. I started off at Pinjarra Pony club and then moved to Murray Horse and Pony Club when I started eventing. When I was younger I was always asking mum for a pony and for pony ride so that’s why she got my my first pony called Misty. She was a lovely little grey – 11.2hh and although she was naughty, as she was only three, she really taught me how to ride. I then moved onto Hot Chilli (Red) and participated in ODE's, dressage and show jumping. Last year we purchased Coronation Flora and I knew as soon as I saw her that she was the right pony for me. She has such a pretty face and I instantly fell in love with her. When I feed her now she follows me around with the bucket and puts herself away in her stall and stands there waiting for me to feed her. She is a possessive pony and often doesn't like to share her paddock with new horses. She loves to be groomed by Red when her blankets are taken off. I look forward to afternoons when I know I am riding because she will come running up to me and just wait for me to saddle her up. I enjoy switching off to the outside world and just becoming one with Fleur and alternating between days of show jumping, cross country, flat work and fun days.
Achievements and Goals
Highest Achievement
When I was in year six our team came 1st in showman, dressage, and show jumping at Interschools Equestrian. We also won the Champion Primary School dressage, showman and show jumping and Champion Primary School and Rural School. I left there with an arm full of trophies. Also that I got kindly chosen by JG to be one of his sponsored riders
Highest Achievement with Fleur
1st at Murray and Log Fence ODE's in 2011.
2nd at Kellerberrin ODE.
Last Years Placings/Achievements
This year is Fleur's first year of competing.
This Years Placings/Achievements
1st Murray Ode E Grade - PCAWA
1st Log fence Ode E Grade - PCAWA
2nd Kellerberrin Ode E Grade - PCAWA
2nd PEA Novice and Prelim dressage
5th PCAWA State Dressage Champs
Highlight of the Season so far
Winning the Long Fence ODE. Our dressage test was in the 30's and we went double clear in show jumping and double clear in cross country.To get Fleur through water when out at events.
Riding Goal this Year
To go to Nationals with Fleur and begin to prepare for competing in elementary dressage.
Future Riding Ambitions
To go and ride at nationals and to complete it and to also ride at a higher level of riding. I would like to compete in Elementary dressage by next year and be jumping 80-90 cm for a show jump round.
Questionnaire
Riding History:
I have been to pony club since I was seven years old. I have ridden at Interschool Equestrian Championships for the last 6 years. I have participated in the State Dressage Championships for pony club for the last 4 years. I started riding an 11.2hh welsh pony named Misty. She was 3 and I was 7 so I had to learn to ride pretty quickly as she was quite a naughty little pony. The then fractured a small bone in her leg after hitting a jump and I was then looking for a pony rather quickly. I was leant Hot Chilli (Red) and ended up buying him. Again I had another naughty little pony but it made my riding all that much stronger. I still have Red but have outgrown him now. I lend him to younger riders at pony club. I purchased Coronation Flora (Fleur) about 18 months ago and 2011 is her first full year out competing. I am now competing at E grade on Fleur. My ponies have helped me to win many events and series. Whilst I started out in the hack ring and some dressage, I really enjoy the challenge of an ODE. We have travelled down to Albany, out to Kellerberrin and up to Moora, along with everywhere in between.
When did you start riding and why?
When I was 6 I asked mum if I could start pony lessons. Mum said sure, but why don't we buy a pony. Haha...we live on the canals mum!! But anyway, I got a pony for my 7th birthday and then we found a place to aggist it close by. A few months later mum was able to buy 9 acres where my ponies are still kept.
What do you enjoy most about riding ?
I enjoy that I can just go and ride them when I want to and if I have a lot on my mind they help to clear it. The are so cuddly and friendly as well. I would much rather be riding my ponies than walking around town at night. My ponies love is unconditional – well as long as I fed them that is!
How often do you ride ?
About three to four times a week training, including a weekly flat work lesson, and then competing on weekends.
What do you think is your best riding discipline ?
I like dressage on Fleur because she is getting better at it and she has some really nice movements. I also like cross country because I get to jump and because I get to go faster on cross country. Fleur will generally always place in an ODE now.
How long have you been competing with Fleur ?
We competed in a few events towards the end of last year, but this is my first full year competing on Fleur.
What is your favourite competition accessory?
My half white numnah, my bling gaiter clips and bling spur pieces.
What is your favourite event and why ?
Log fence is a nice course to ride and it is also good because they have some challenging jumps on their cross country course.
What do you do outside of the Horse world?
I go to High School- currently completing year 10. I also support my brother playing baseball.
Interests/hobbies:
Riding my horses, swimming, shopping and spending quality time with my family and friends..
What are your Future Ambitions out side of the horse world:
To graduate year 12 and to complete a TAFE course to become a vet nurse.
First place at Murray and Log Fence ODE's in 2011. 2nd at Kellerberrin ODE.