In the world of elite equestrian sports, few names resonate with the blend of quiet confidence and fierce competitive success as Ashley Schafer’s. At the heart of Ashley Horse Training is a philosophy built not on dominance, but on partnership, transforming raw athletic potential into championship-winning precision. For riders and enthusiasts seeking to understand what it takes to reach the pinnacle of the sport, exploring Schafer’s methods offers a masterclass in horsemanship, dedication, and the art of building a bond that thrives under pressure.
At its core, Ashley’s approach centers on creating a solid foundation. This isn’t just about drills and mechanics; it’s about understanding the horse as an individual. She has famously noted that her goal is to build consistent horses with a foundation for success. This begins long before a horse ever sees a competitive arena. It starts with groundwork, establishing trust, and teaching the horse to be responsive and collected. By focusing on how a horse moves naturally and using that to inform her training, she ensures that every cue is clear, and every movement is efficient. This methodology has proven successful time and again, taking young prospects and developing them into confident, seasoned athletes. Many successful trainers, like the well-regarded ashley schafer horse trainer, build their entire program around this foundational principle.
The Mind of a Champion: More Than Physical Skill
What truly sets the Ashley horse training method apart is its profound emphasis on the mental game—for both horse and rider. Schafer operates on the principle that a confident horse is a successful horse. Much of her work involves building that confidence, ensuring the animal understands its job and feels secure in performing it. This prevents burnout and anxiety, common issues in high-level competition.
“I really want him to draw up so that the saddle kind of comes back up underneath me and he gets round through his back,” Schafer explains, detailing the physical cues that reflect a horse’s mental engagement and collection.
This mental conditioning extends to the rider. Ashley is a co-founder of BetweenTheReins.us, an online platform dedicated to helping riders improve not just their technique but also their mental fortitude. She teaches that success is a product of patience, perseverance, and a deep, empathetic connection with your equine partner. It’s a holistic view that acknowledges the immense psychological pressures of competition. Unlike the singular focus of a horse racing trainer, where speed is the ultimate goal, Schafer’s discipline requires a delicate balance of speed, agility, and mental synchronicity.
From Futurity Prospects to Rodeo Stars
Based in Millsap, Texas, Ashley Schafer has carved out a reputation as a top futurity trainer, specializing in developing young barrel racing horses. Her record is a testament to her skill, with over $1 million in earnings and a string of championships at some of the most prestigious events in the nation, including the BBR World Finals, Diamonds and Dirt Futurity, and multiple BFA titles. She is also the leading rider for the esteemed Pink Buckle Incentive, a high-stakes barrel racing organization.
Her ability to identify potential and cultivate it is renowned. She has trained horses that have not only won futurity and derby titles but have gone on to achieve massive success in the professional rodeo circuit. A prime example is Freckles Ta Fame (“Can Man”), a horse she trained that became a National Finals Rodeo qualifier and Cheyenne Frontier Days champion. This demonstrates the durability and correctness of her foundational training; the horses she produces are not just successful in one specific arena but are versatile athletes capable of adapting and winning at the highest levels of the sport. The principles she applies share common ground with other specialized programs, such as the well-known blue horse training, which also emphasizes a strong foundational skillset.
What Makes Ashley’s Barrel Racing Technique Stand Out?
For those unfamiliar with the sport, barrel racing can appear to be a simple race against time. However, Ashley’s methodology reveals its intricate complexity. She focuses on several key areas:
- Collection and Body Control: Schafer emphasizes teaching a horse to collect itself and use its hind end for power and precision. This allows for the explosive acceleration and tight turns necessary for elite performance.
- Spot-Specific Training: She trains horses to lope to specific spots before a turn, ensuring they are in the correct position to navigate the barrel efficiently without losing momentum.
- Rider Responsibility: Ashley teaches riders to use their legs and seat to guide the horse, minimizing reliance on the reins. This creates a more responsive and fluid partnership.
- Building Responsibility in the Horse: As horses mature, she expects them to take on more responsibility for their job in the pattern, a sign of a truly confident and well-trained animal.
This systematic approach is a hallmark of many great trainers. While each has a unique style, the underlying principles of clear communication and progressive skill-building are universal. It’s a philosophy shared by decorated figures like john hertler horse trainer, who also built a legacy on meticulous training and horsemanship.
The Journey and the Future
Ashley Schafer’s journey was not an overnight success. Growing up in Iowa, she participated in high school rodeo but didn’t discover her passion for training futurity horses until she took a job at Jud Little Ranch in Oklahoma. It was there, under the guidance of fellow trainer Jolene Montgomery, that she realized her true calling was not just riding, but shaping young horses. This mentorship was pivotal, pushing her to develop the feel and understanding required to become a top-tier trainer.
Today, Schafer continues to be a dominant force in the barrel racing world. Alongside her competitive career, her dedication to education through Between The Reins ensures that her influence extends to the next generation of riders. Her work embodies the principles of “Equine Excellence,” demonstrating that winning is a byproduct of a much deeper goal: achieving a true partnership with the horse. For anyone involved in the equestrian world, the principles of Ashley horse training serve as a powerful reminder that success is built on a foundation of trust, patience, and an unwavering respect for the horse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Ashley Schafer?
Ashley Schafer is a highly respected and successful professional horse trainer based in Millsap, Texas, who specializes in barrel racing. She is known for training multiple futurity, derby, and open champions and has earned over $1 million. She is also a co-founder of the online training platform, Between The Reins.
What is Ashley horse training known for?
Ashley horse training is known for its strong emphasis on building a solid foundation in young horses, focusing on both their physical skills and mental confidence. Her philosophy centers on creating a willing partnership with the horse, leading to consistent and successful performances in high-pressure environments.
What are some of Ashley Schafer’s major accomplishments?
Ashley Schafer is an Equi-Stat Leading Rider and the leading Pink Buckle Incentive rider. Her major wins include championships at the BBR World Finals, BFA World Championship, Diamonds and Dirt Futurity, and Old Fort Days Derby, among many others.
Which famous horses has Ashley Schafer trained?
One of the most notable horses she trained is Freckles Ta Fame (“Can Man”), who went on to become a National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifier and a champion at the prestigious Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo.
How does Ashley Schafer approach the mental aspect of horse training?
She focuses heavily on building a horse’s confidence, ensuring the animal feels secure and understands its job. This approach minimizes stress and anxiety, allowing the horse to perform at its peak. This mental conditioning is a key component of her training program.
Where can I learn more about Ashley Schafer’s training methods?
Aspiring riders can learn directly from Ashley Schafer through BetweenTheReins.us, an online membership platform she co-founded with fellow trainers Joy Wargo and Jolene Montgomery. The platform offers expert advice on horsemanship, riding skills, and mental strategy.
