Rider Spotlight: Ashley Kehoe
1. How did you get started in the equestrian world?
I have always been mesmerized by horses. Their power, grace, and willingness to be our partners is so special
to me. I started taking riding lessons when I was 5yo, though I didn't start competing until I was 8 or 9. I actually
started out in the hunters with Melvin Dutton in Pennsylvania. I remember seeing the Radnor Hunt Three-Day
event and thinking WOW. How can I learn how to do that! My parents were not horse people at all, so I got a bit
later than those children lucky enough to be born in horse families. I was very active in Pony Club and earned my
A rating. Patti Swan and Pam Wiedemann helped get me to my first recognized competitions. I was a working
student for Pam for many summers, and when I graduated high school, she helped me get a working student
position with Karen and David O'Connor. It was Karen and David, along with Emily Beshear in VA who helped
me climb the levels to do my first 4*L in 2010.
2. Do you have any pre-ride/show rituals or good luck charms?
I do a 15-minute breathwork meditation every morning, whether there is a horse show or not. Usually, an hour or
two before I ride I make time to sit down and properly visualize my round before I get on my horse. I have found
this very helpful. If I can tell I'm more excited than usual, I will make myself sit down and do a second 7-minute
breathwork to calm my nervous system. I always want to compete from a place of flow energy, not fight or flight
energy.
3. Who is someone you look up to in the equine world and why?
Lucinda Green. Multiple 5* Event winner. Olympic and World Championship medalist, though the thing I admire
about her most is her positivity and how she has stayed giving back to the sport and trying to make it a better
place. She also seems very kind, and that is an attribute I value in a person. Olympic medalist or not.
4. What’s your favorite Equinavia product and how does it support your ride?
My favorite Equinavia products are hands down the breeches. They are everything a professional rider could
want. Comfortable, durable, flattering, stain resistant. I am in them all day long because I prefer to be. They are
way more comfortable then jeans.
5. What’s one surprising fact about you outside the barn?
I invented a hoof packing product called Rebound right out of college. It's designed to help with sore feet,
bruising and abscessing. It's great to use after a hard workout, gallop or jump school. Especially for horses with
thin soles or sensitive feet. My Mom and Dad took everything over once I got the business up and running so I
could focus on training and competing. They still manage it in Virginia to this day, and the proceeds help fund my
top event horses Tari and Ernie. I'm very grateful to them for keeping it running so I can chase my 5* dreams!