Sunday, January 22, 2006

The Ashley Holzer Show at The Gold Coast Opener

There is no denying that "Team Holzer" dominated the vast majority of the FEI classes here at Equestrian Estates this weekend. Every class that Ashley entered she won and her students are keeping with the trend as well. There is no doubt that Ashley’s training methods work, but what is most impressive is that they work for all horses at all stages of their development. Holzer, a mother of two, has a full range of horses from very young horses to elite Grand Prix horses included in her 14 horse full time program, and all are quite successful at their levels. Ashley has worked extensively with the unparalleled world champion, Anky Van Grunsven in the past and has taken that knowledge and understanding into her own training methods.

More prevalent than her success, however, is her positive attitude and demeanor. Always smiling and upbeat, she is consistently kind and humble - a favorite of horse show organizer and show secretaries. In the saddle, she appears thoroughly relaxed and confident in her horses. It is easy to see she truly enjoys her horses and has a great relationship with them. Her horses are seem to be happy to do their jobs and consistently look awesome with shiny coats and proper muscling.

Ashley and Pop Art easily won the Intermediare 1 Freestyle with an outstanding 74.675%. The ride was in total harmony with her music, which included the theme song from the soundtrack to the popular horse movie, Spirit. Everything flowed together so perfectly and the transitions within the music were blended very well. Pop Art is truely a horse for the future Canadian team!

It is always exciting to watch such talented horses moving up the world ladder right in our back yard. Behind Ashley was another beautiful ride ridden by Mirja Block aboard her father’s Prince Charming (x Perpignon) with 70.950%. Third place went to Chris Hickey and Rachel Ehrlich’s Werbellin (x Weltmeyer) with a 67.225%.