With this new special feature in The Grassroots Gazette and lining to be the community manager at the Grassroots this feature is all about championing our community.

We couldn’t be prouder of this amazing community we have created with the Gazette. For us the grassroots riders are the backbone of the equine community. At The Grassroots Gazette we an amazing opportunity to support and promote our community. 

Over the next few months we really want to grow the Grassroots Weekly Round-Up, we hope this feature help inspire more to try get out and about that little bit more.

We are delighted to feature Ashleigh and her fabulous horse Breeze, Ashleigh has done amazingly with her horses over the years and picked up another brilliant result over the weekend. 

Tell us about the event and how you got on?
It was the penultimate day of the spring league. I have missed 4 weeks due to a dislocated shoulder after a bad fall so I was dead happy to be back out jumping. I just jumped the meter for a confidence round and ended up winning the 110 😊

How did you prepare for the event? Any challenges coming into this?
I do quite a lot of hacking with my girls so we hacked every day and had a jump lesson on Thursday with Trish Ryan. My main challenge at the moment is my own mind as due to my fall I have very wavering confidence.

Anyone you want to give a shout out to? It really does take a village.
Definitely Trish Ryan. I’m Lucky to have Mike and Trish as neighbours and can pop over to them when I need help!

How do you handle the pressures and stress that might come competing in events like this?
I just trust my horse and my ability! I’ll never say there’s no pressure but I tend not to dwell on it!

What’s the one event you’d like to compete in and win?
I never really WANT to win anything but I would like to compete in a 135 Grand-Prix eventually 😊.

What have got you to say about your horse/pony?
She is amazing! She is always up for whatever I point her at and she always minds me! Bit of a nutjob but a safe nutjob!🤣

Most proud of this weekend?
Being confident enough to go for the time in the class, whereas last week I was terrified of letting the canter get too big 😊.

What’s up next for you? Any big events coming up?
League finals this Saturday and I may venture to the Munster Tour finals Wednesday for a pop around 😊.

What advice do you have for others wanting to compete like this?
Do it! Get out and have the crack! Who cares how you get on! Just go and do it for you! 😊