The Ashley-Blend Team passion was not only fed through competition, but also through teaching horsemanship to others. The strong 4-H leadership in our county also made it possible for them to get involved with therapeutic riding and Special Olympics. This influence of head, heart, hands, and health has held steadfast for Ashley's service through this day.
However, don't be fooled that Blend was just Ashley's horse. Yes, they shared riding lessons, horse and pony club, clinics, play days, and horse shows. Yet, Mama was on the rail every step of the way absorbing all that she could. And on her days off, when Ashley was still in school, she and Blend would sneak off and hit the trails!
We could not have been luckier than to live in metro Atlanta for the 1996 Summer Olympics! Blend was asked to be a "practice" horse for the Olympic pentathlon athlete from Australia. Again, for the Paralympic Games, he served as a team member for France. He won a bronze medal for his team in dressage! Blend was a great ambassador for the American Quarter Horse breed and for Southern hospitality.
Ramblin Cowgirl Photography
ACTHA Monthly | September 2015 | 45