In the high-stakes, lightning-fast world of barrel racing, a name that resonates with consistency, success, and impeccable horsemanship is Ashley Schafer. More than just a competitor, Ashley Schafer is a horse trainer whose philosophy is built on creating solid foundations, fostering trust, and developing equine athletes that are prepared to win not just today, but for years to come. Based out of the horse country of Millsap, Texas, she has firmly established herself as one of the industry’s top futurity trainers and an Equi-Stat Leading Rider, shaping the future of the sport one champion at a time.
For anyone passionate about barrel racing, understanding the methods behind the champions is key. Schafer’s approach is a masterclass in patience, precision, and partnership, providing a blueprint for success that has propelled her to over $1 million in career earnings and a stable full of remarkable horses.
Who is Ashley Schafer?
Ashley Schafer is not just a rider; she is a consummate horsewoman who has dedicated her life to the art of training barrel futurity horses. With over a decade of professional experience, her passion is rooted in a desire to constantly expand her knowledge and perfect her craft. This dedication is evident in her incredible record of success across aged events, open divisional races, and professional rodeos.
Her list of accomplishments is a testament to her skill and the effectiveness of her training program. Schafer has trained and ridden multiple futurity and open champions, producing horses that excel at the highest levels. One of her most notable trainees is Freckles Ta Fame, a horse that went on to become a National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifier and a Cheyenne Frontier Days champion, proving that a foundation built by Schafer is a foundation built for elite success. Her ability to prepare a young horse for a long and varied career is a hallmark of her program.
The Schafer Philosophy: A Foundation for Success
At the core of the Ashley Schafer Horse Trainer methodology is a simple but powerful principle: build a consistent horse with a foundation for success. This isn’t about shortcuts or quick fixes; it’s about developing a deep sense of trust and communication between horse and rider. Schafer focuses intently on making her horses soft, supple, and responsive, ensuring they understand and trust her cues without fear or resistance.
She often speaks about the importance of a horse trusting her hands. This concept is central to her work.
“I’m constantly working at just getting those horses to trust my hands and trust that when they do the right thing and they get soft, they’re going to get a reward for it,” Schafer explains.
This pressure-and-release system creates a confident and willing partner in the arena. The horse learns to seek the release, stay soft, and respond correctly, making them more reliable and consistent under pressure.
Dr. Mark Jensen, a leading equine sports psychologist, comments on this approach: “The focus on a ‘foundation’ and ‘trust’ as emphasized by trainers like Ashley Schafer is critical for a performance horse’s mental longevity. When a horse is confident and understands its job, it can perform with less stress and a lower risk of burnout. This mental preparation is just as important as physical conditioning.”
Her program emphasizes:
- Consistency: Repeating drills and exercises until they become second nature for the horse.
- Clarity: Ensuring the rider’s cues are clear, and the horse’s response is rewarded.
- Confidence: Building a horse’s confidence so it can handle the pressures of competition.
- Control: Developing precise control over every part of the horse’s body, especially independent rein control.
A Legacy of Wins: Schafer’s Major Achievements
A trainer’s reputation is written in the results, and Ashley Schafer’s record speaks volumes. Her success is not limited to one type of event; she has won across the board, demonstrating the versatility and adaptability of her program. As an Equi-Stat Leading Rider, she consistently ranks among the best in the sport.
Some of her career highlights include:
- BBR World Champion
- Old Fort Days Derby Champion
- Diamonds and Dirt Futurity Champion and Reserve Champion
- BFA Futurity Reserve World Champion
- Leading Pink Buckle Incentive Rider
- Multiple Futurity, Derby, and Rodeo Championships
Being the leading money earner in the prestigious Pink Buckle incentive is a particularly significant achievement, highlighting her ability to train and pilot horses that excel in the highest-paying events in the industry.
Beyond the Arena: Co-Founding ‘Between The Reins’
Recognizing a need for accessible, high-quality instruction in the barrel racing community, Ashley Schafer joined forces with fellow top trainers Joy Wargo and Jolene Montgomery to create Between The Reins. This online platform is an extension of her mission, aimed at helping other riders build their skills, improve their horsemanship, and strengthen their mental game.
Between The Reins offers members expert advice and training insights from three of the industry’s most successful women. It’s a comprehensive resource designed to foster better riders and better horsemen for the love of the horse. Schafer’s involvement in this platform solidifies her position not just as a competitor, but as an educator and a leader dedicated to the betterment of the sport. The platform allows riders of all levels to learn the philosophies that have produced millions of dollars in earnings and countless championships.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is Ashley Schafer based?
Ashley Schafer’s training operation is located in Millsap, Texas, a well-known hub for equestrian talent and performance horse training.
What is Ashley Schafer’s main discipline?
Ashley Schafer is a highly specialized and successful horse trainer focusing on barrel racing, with a particular emphasis on training futurity horses—young horses in their first year of competition.
What is ‘Between The Reins’?
‘Between The Reins’ is an online training and membership website co-founded by Ashley Schafer, Joy Wargo, and Jolene Montgomery. It provides expert instruction to help barrel racers improve their riding, horsemanship, and mental approach to competition.
How much has Ashley Schafer earned in her career?
Ashley Schafer is a top Equi-Stat rider who has amassed over $1 million in lifetime earnings through her numerous championships and consistent success in the arena.
What is a key principle of her training method?
A core principle of the Ashley Schafer horse trainer program is building a solid foundation through trust and consistency. She focuses on teaching a horse to be soft, responsive, and to “trust the rider’s hands,” creating a confident and reliable equine partner.
The Final Turn
Ashley Schafer represents the pinnacle of modern barrel horse training. She combines a deep understanding of equine behavior with a competitive drive and a commitment to foundational principles. Her success in the futurity pen and beyond is a direct result of her patient, methodical approach that prioritizes the horse’s mental and physical well-being. As both a million-dollar rider and the co-founder of an influential training platform, the impact of the Ashley Schafer horse trainer brand extends far beyond the arena, inspiring a new generation of riders to build a true partnership with their horses as their ultimate path to victory.
