Conversations With Equestrians: Ashlee Bond

By Tammy Chipko

Congratulations to Grand Prix rider Ashlee Bond and her mare Southern Girl for topping the field on Saturday, June 30th in the $25,000 Red, White, and Blue Grand Prix. And continued congrats to Ashlee for also placing 2nd on her horse Tommy Gun.

I had the chance to speak with Ashlee regarding her victory and her future plans.

Tammy Chipko: Please tell us a little bit about your Grand Prix horses.
Ashlee Bond: Princess, Southern Girl’s barn name, is an 11-year-old home bred mare – she was both bred and born at my house. In fact, so was Tommy who is now 9 years old. I have been with them literally since they were born and I think that gives me a leg up, at least in knowing and understanding them. I know all of their quirks, likes, and dislikes.

Princess is such a fighter, she has a heart of gold and will do anything for me! She is small but I don’t think she knows that. This was her first Grand Prix win and I am so proud of her. What a start!

Tommy has the same attitude as Princess. He has a big heart and is also really there for me. I have a tremendous bond with these horses – they trust me and I in turn trust them. When we are out there, we are truly a team. It’s a great feeling knowing we are in sync.

I couldn’t do this without a team effort – my mom and dad’s undying support and Nacho’s ability to take such fabulous care of the horses. My dad says that these are Nacho’s horses and he lets us ride them!

I am fortunate that horses are also a passion for my dad. Tommy was his horse and I am lucky to be able to ride and show him. I am hoping he will be my World Cup Horse.

TC: Speaking of the World Cup, what are your future plans?
AB: I would like to compete in the ’08 World Cup Finals. So starting this September I will compete in the World Cup qualifiers. The Olympic Trials are next year, of course I would love to go. What a great experience that would be to compete in the Olympics on a horse we bred and raised. Tommy would give me his all and knowing how talented he is, it would be great to have the chance to represent the US on him. So ultimately the Olympics and the World Cup Finals, but I am taking it one day at a time.

TC: You have returned to the sport after being away for a while, what is it like to be back at this point in your career?
AB: I took some time off due to an injury and I needed to take a break, I was burned out. Taking that break was the best thing I ever did, it made me realize how much I missed riding and how important the horses are to me. I feel refreshed, with such a newfound passion for the sport. I am 150 percent committed and I’m excited about the future.

TC: You are a professional rider now. Do you plan on making a business out of this?
AB: Actually, I am riding professionally and would like to have the opportunity to ride other horses. I would like to have a sponsor, but for now I am just looking forward to the next competition and the next and the next… So I can continue to learn and prepare for the upcoming qualifiers.

TC: Well, I am sure we will see plenty more of you and your wonderful horses. Good Luck!
AB: Thank you!

Ashlee will be at the Oaks in August and then on to Showpark for the first World Cup Qualifying Grand Prix
in September.

EquestriSol News: July 31, 2007

NEW CLIENTS
EquestriSol announces our newest clients, Brown Beauty and Pegasus Show Stable.

With quality fabrics, leathers and exclusive designs, Brown Beauty Equestrian Products seeks to fulfill the needs of the discriminating rider. Through web site redesign including e-commerce, Brown Beauty’s apparel & accessory lines will be available for purchase worldwide. Look for them at top “A” rated horse shows.

Keep an eye out for a new ad campaign and web site for Mike and Christa Endicott’s Pegasus Show Stable.

EquestriSol welcomes Tammy Chipko to our growing team. Thanks for all of your hard work and exuberance – it’s contagious! Want to be in the EquestriSol newsletter? Contact Tammy and she’ll take great care of you.
Call Tammy at (310) 930-2744.

EquestriSol also wishes Lena Tito all the best in her new endeavors.

Are you ready to develop a fabulous ad or design a web site? We are ready to create a look that perfectly fits your goals.

DEL MAR INTERNATIONAL: September 26th – 30th, 2007
Prize list, entry blanks, vendor information and application now available online at jumpdelmar.com. Entries close August 31, 2007.

SHOWMOM.COM
With ads and editorial from USHJA’s In Stride to California’s Hunter Jumper Magazine and also on the web, ShowMom.com is the new community for show moms (and dads) everywhere. Take the survey and sign up for the free Savvy ShowMom e-newsletter.

UPCOMING AD DEADLINES
From custom ad design and placement to developing copy, we can handle every aspect of your advertising campaign. Our equestrian experience is an asset in understanding the look and feel our clients seek in print advertising and the results speak for themselves. Contact us and ask about special advertising prices for EquestriSol clients.

Deadline: 2 weeks prior to the publication date
The Chronicle of the Horse (published weekly)

August 5th deadline:
RIDE! Magazine
Horses Inc.

August 6th deadline:
California Horsetrader
Flying Changes

August 12th deadline:
California ShowBiz Magazine

August 15th deadline:
California Riding Magazine
USHJA In Stride Magazine: Owners Issue
Horse Connection: European Issue
The Plaid Horse
Pennsylvania National Program

August 17th deadline:
USEF Equestrian Magazine

August 20th deadline:
Hunter Jumper Magazine

EquestriSol News: June 21, 2007

NEW CLIENTS
EquestriSol announces our newest client, Jenny Williams’ LaSalle Farms located in Northern California. We are currently developing a brand new web site for this growing hunter/jumper sales barn.

Are you ready to develop a fabulous ad or build a web site? Has your web site not been updated or redesigned in months or even years? We work hard to help clients attain their marketing goals.

STAY TUNED 
For new web sites set to go live this month! We’ve had an incredible year to date, not only has business grown quite a bit but between us we’ve also experienced two significant & joyous milestones – as of February Jackie has an adorable baby girl and Lena just had a beautiful May wedding. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to offering you innovative marketing solutions.

ANNOUNCING THE LAUNCH OF JUMPDELMAR.COM visit website
EquestriSol just completed the redesign of JumpDelMar.com, the official web site for the Del Mar International and Palms Classic horse shows. New this year, “A” Rated Open Hunters at Del Mar International, September 26-30. Check the web site for additional information as it becomes available, and look for their new ad campaign to follow.

We’re also excited to announce the redesign of Nicole Bloom’s Round Meadow Farm. visit website

Also look for ShowMom.com in magazines spanning both coasts. In the May and June issues of Hunter Jumper Magazine look for a great editorial written for Show Moms and a new ad in this month’s USHJA In Stride Magazine.

UPCOMING AD DEADLINES
From custom ad design and placement to developing copy, we can handle every aspect of your advertising campaign. Our equestrian experience is an asset in understanding the look and feel our clients seek in print advertising and the results speak for themselves. Look for EquestriSol designed ads in current and upcoming issues of The Chronicle of the Horse, Show Circuit Magazine, USHJA’s In Stride Magazine and in horse show programs around the country. Contact us for more details.

California Horsetrader
• July 5th Issue – Deadline: 6/25
• July 19th Issue – Deadline: 7/9

California Riding Magazine
• August Issue – Deadline: 7/15/07

Chronicle of the Horse – published weekly
• Deadline: 2 weeks prior to the publication date

Hunter Jumper Magazine
• July Issue – Deadline: 6/29/07

PCHA Newsletter
• August Issue – Deadline: 7/1/07

USEF’s Equestrian Magazine
• August Issue – Deadline: 7/15/07

USHJA’s In Stride Magazine
• September Issue – Deadline: 7/15/07

EquestriSol News: May 10, 2007

NEW CLIENTS
EquestriSol is pleased to announce our newest clients – Jenny Williams’ LaSalle Farms and Jennifer Stewart’s Highland Farm in Moorpark, CA. We look forward to creating innovative solutions for their business as well as enhancing their market reach in the hunter/jumper community. What can we do for you?

Are you ready to develop a fabulous ad or build a web site? Has your web site not been updated or redesigned in months or even years? We work hard to help clients attain their marketing goals. Contact us for more details.

JOIEGATLIN.COM / MORLEYABEY.COM LIVE! visit website
We’ve revamped Joie & Morley’s site – take a look and learn more about who they are, where they are headed this show season and loads of great press. Impressive!

SHOWMOM.COM LIVE! visit website
We’ve redesigned ShowMom.com. Look for ShowMom’s featured article in this month’s Hunter Jumper Magazine. We look forward to playing a role in building an online community for show moms.

UPCOMING AD DEADLINES
From custom ad design and placement to developing copy, we can handle every aspect of your advertising campaign. Our equestrian experience is an asset in understanding the look and feel our clients seek in print advertising and the results speak for themselves. Look for EquestriSol designed ads in current and upcoming issues of The Chronicle of the Horse, Show Circuit Magazine, USHJA’s In Stride Magazine and in horse show programs around the country. Contact us for more details.

Chronicle of the Horse – published weekly
• Deadline: 2 weeks prior to the publication date

USEF’s Equestrian Magazine
• June Issue – Deadline: 5/15/07

California Riding Magazine
• June Issue – Deadline: 5/15/07

Hunter Jumper Magazine
• June Issue – Space reservation deadline: 5/15/07; Ad deadline: 5/25/07

Sidelines Magazine
• June Issue on stands 6/16/07 – Deadline: 5/30/07

Horse Connection
• July “Grand Prix Issue – Jumping High.” Deadline: 6/15/07*
* Special distribution at Del Mar Horse Park, The Oaks

USHJA’s In Stride Magazine
• August Issue – Deadline: 6/15/07

EquestriSol News: March 29, 2007

UPCOMING AD DEADLINES
From custom ad design and placement to developing copy, we can handle every aspect of your advertising campaign. Our equestrian experience is an asset in understanding the look and feel our clients seek in print advertising and the results speak for themselves. Look for EquestriSol designed ads in current and upcoming issues of The Chronicle of the Horse, Show Circuit Magazine and in horse show programs around the country. Contact us for more details.

Show Circuit Magazine
• Spring Issue – Space reservation deadline: 3/31

Chronicle of the Horse – published weekly
• Deadline: 2 weeks prior to the pub. date

USEF’s Equestrian Magazine
• May Issue – Deadline: 4/15/07

California Riding Magazine
• May Issue – Deadline: 4/15/07

Hunter Jumper Magazine
• May Issue – Space reservation deadline: 4/15/07; Ad deadline: 4/25/07

Sidelines Magazine
• May Issue on stands 4/21 – Deadline: 4/4/07

WEST COAST ACTIVE RIDERS
Fundraising Fun at Horse Shows in the Sun!
More than 300 people came out on Saturday, March 10th to raise money for West Coast Active Riders at the 2007 WCAR Annual fundraising party “Casino Night.” The lively event, raised upwards of $50,000 to support Show Jumping on the West Coast. Live auction prizes included a CWD saddle, a French Bulldog puppy, a week at a beachfront home in Hawaii including airfare, and a weekend of training and socializing with World Cup veteran, Will Simpson. The silent auction featured everything from exotic weekend trips to VIP boxes at concerts and horse shows to a Prada handbag and riding gear. Sponsors for the event were J-2/Rolling Meadows, CWD, Camelot Homes, Nate Nathan and Associates, and Stateside Farms, Inc.

Congratulations to the winners of the other fabulous fundraising efforts at HITS:
WCAR Raffle: Mickey Hayden won the fabulous red golf cart generously sponsored by the Buie’s & Fairbanks Valley Farm. Over 200 tickets sold!
WCAR Young Riders Membership Drive: “The KB Girls” (Tina DiLandri, Hannah Selleck and Natasha Traurig) won the course walks with Bernie Traurig at the upcoming 2007 World Cup Finals in April. Over 75 memberships sold!
WCAR Barn Fundraising: When barns were pitted against each other with the group raising the largest total cash donation winning stabling and entry fees for one horse at next year’s HITS Thermal Circuit, donated by HITS, Inc. along with six plaza level tickets to the World Cup, sponsored by Bernie & Caitlin Traurig and Mike & Christa Endicott, Willow Tree won with Acres West coming in second. Over 10 teams participated raising ~$50k.

Spruce Trials Begin
Good luck to the sixty competitors vying for one of 16 positions on the WCAR Spruce Prix de Nations Teams.

JUMP DEL MAR: PALMS CLASSIC
WCAR Prix de Nations
With fourteen teams of four and a number of individual rides, the first round of the Prix de Nations had over eighty competitors jumping at the 1.10m, 1.20m, 1.30m, and 1.40m levels. Not only did the class offer riders a unique opportunity to compete on a team, it was also the first selection trial for the WCAR Spruce Meadows Prix de Nations teams heading to Canada this summer. Forming a star-studded line-up for the evening was Chef D’Equipe Craig Starr, with Kelli Johnston, Barbara Ellison, Morgan Taylor and Maile Rehnberg, who collectively had just 5 faults for the win.

On a beautiful course under the lights of the Del Mar Arena, the $50,000 Antarès Grand Prix had eight horses jump the Michel Vaillancourt designed course clean in front of a cheering crowd of thousands. John Pearce and Archie Bunker were the first to ride the jump off, setting a seemingly unbeatable time. Numerous riders tried but victory appeared to be Pearce’s, until second-to-last in the ring Chris Pratt on C&S Partnership’s Live Fire shaved milliseconds off Pearce’s time for the lead. Stable mate Conquest of Paradiso ridden by Richard Spooner was the last to go. They beat the time but with two rails. Victory went to Live Fire & Pratt.

EquestriSol News: February 22, 2007

UPCOMING AD DEADLINES
From custom ad design and placement to developing copy, we can handle every aspect of your ad campaign. Our equestrian experience is an asset in understanding the look and feel our clients seek in print advertising and the results speak for themselves. Contact us for more details.

Chronicle of the Horse – published weekly
• Deadline: 2 weeks prior to the pub. date
• April 6th, World Cup Preview Issue – Deadline: 3/23/07

USEF’s Equestrian Magazine
• May Issue – Deadline: 3/15/07

California Riding Magazine
• April Issue – Deadline: 3/15/07

Sidelines Magazine
• April Issue – Deadline: 2/28/07

Horse Connection
• April Issue with focus on the World Cup – Deadline: 3/15/07

WEST COAST ACTIVE RIDERS
Buy World Cup Tickets & Support West Coast Show Jumping!
Buy your World Cup 2007 tickets through WCAR and 10% of the ticket price will be donated back to the organization. Seats are all session Show Jumping (Wed-Sun) and in the Plaza Level for just $300. Email us [email protected] and we’ll purchase tickets for you on behalf of the organization. Don’t wait, these tickets will SELL OUT!

Spruce Prix de Nations Teams
WCAR is excited to have SEVEN trials this year – two in Northern California. Your best four scores will count towards Team selection. Please note the final trial at Ranch & Coast is mandatory. We are finalizing some of the details, so applications will be available in print and on the web site soon. Deadline for applying is March 19th. 

Opportunities to support WCAR at the 2007 HITS Desert Circuit!
WCAR Young Rider Membership Contest
Young riders unite to sell WCAR memberships! Teams of three riders have three weeks to sell the most WCAR memberships possible. The leading sales team will win credentialed course walks with Bernie Traurig, George Morris’ Associate West Coast Chef d’Equipe for the West Coast, during the World Cup Finals in Las Vegas.

Pick your teams, see Bernie in Thermal for your packets, and sell, sell, sell! The winning team will be announced at Fundraising Party on March 10th. Contact Bernie at (760) 522-6060.

WCAR Barn Fundraising Challenge
The barn that raises the most donations for WCAR will win two fabulous prizes!

  • Six plaza level seats at the 2007 World Cup Finals in Las Vegas (sponsored by Caitlin & Bernie Traurig and Mike & Christa Endicott)
  • Complimentary permanent stall, entry and nomination fees for one horse during the entire 2008 HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal (generously donated by HITS, Inc.)

The barn that raises the second highest amount of donations to WCAR will win:

  • Six plaza level seats at the 2007 World Cup Finals in Las Vegas (sponsored by Caitlin & Bernie Traurig & Mike & Christa Endicott)

The winner will be announced at the Fundraising Party on March 10th. See Bernie in Thermal for your packets and get started! Contact Bernie at (760) 522-6060.

WCAR Golf Cart Raffle
Can you see yourself driving around the shows in a beautiful fire engine red golf cart? For just $50.00 per ticket you get a chance to win a gorgeous Villager 4 Golf Cart valued at nearly $10,000 (generously donated by Pam & Bob Buie of Fairbanks Valley Farm). The drawing will take place Sunday March 11th during the Grand Prix at Thermal. Tickets on sale now! Every weekend at tables by the Grand Prix Field and during the week at J2 (the big red Rolling Meadows trailer) in vendor area row.

WCAR Fundraising Party, Saturday, March 10th
Our Annual Fundraising Party at La Quinta Resort & Club offers not only a fun night to catch up with your friends but also dinner, a silent and live auction, grand prix calcutta, casino night and dancing. Don’t miss the fun! We sold out last year so get your tickets early. Tickets are $165.00 each, or $1,500 for a table of ten. Call Lorri Quiett at (562) 682-9582 or fax to (562) 438-5569 to reserve your table now.

EquestriSol News: January 31, 2007

EQUESTRISOL ANNOUNCES NEW CLIENTS
EquestriSol welcomes our newest marketing client, the Palms Classic & Del Mar International horse shows. We’ll be redesigning the JumpDelMar web site as well as working with their upcoming ad & press campaigns.

RECENTLY LAUNCHED WEB SITES
EquestriSol recently launched two new web sites – bluehillfarmllc.com and crystalimagefarms.com

EQUESTRISOL AD DESIGNS
EquestriSol recently designed new ads for the following clients – Cheval
Couture, Argentina Horse Trade and ShowMom.com.

Are you ready to develop a fabulous ad or build a web site? Has your web site not been updated or redesigned in months or even years? We aim to help clients attain their marketing goals. Contact us!

UPCOMING AD DEADLINES
California Riding Magazine
• March Issue – Deadline: 2/15/07

Chronicle of the Horse – published weekly
• Deadline: 2 weeks prior to the pub. date

USEF’s Equestrian Magazine
• April Issue – Deadline: 2/16/07

USHJA’s In Stride Magazine
• April Issue – Deadline: 2/15/07

WEST COAST ACTIVE RIDERS
The New Year is starting with a BIG BANG! We have over 125 members to date, a new Chairman of the Board, fabulous applicants for the Meritorious Riders Grant, Spruce applications coming soon AND the not-to-miss annual WCAR Casino Night.

Membership
Support West Coast Show Jumping – become a member of WCAR!

Buy World Cup Tickets & Support West Coast Show Jumping!
Buy your World Cup 2007 tickets through WCAR and 10% of the ticket price will be donated back to the organization. Email us at [email protected] and we’ll purchase tickets for you on behalf of the organization. Viva Las Vegas and WCAR!

Welcome Bernie!
Bernie Traurig was officially elected as the new Chairman of the Board this month. Dale Harvey, WCAR’s past Chairman, will still sit on the Board. Bernie is very enthusiastic and already formed a solid High Performance Committee. He also sits on the USEF High Performance Committee.

Happening soon

  • Stay tuned for the announcement of the two Meritorious Rider Grant winners
  • Spruce applications will be available online and at HITS by mid-circuit
  • WCAR Casino Night tickets will go on sale Week IV.  Be ready – last year we sold out!

UNION JACK STABLE & GARDEN 

Union Jack Stable & Garden is the exclusive North American distributor of quality products from the British company Harold Moore, Ltd. Weighing in at less than three pounds, the one-of-a-kind Unifork is in a class by itself with rounded ends that scoop under the material you want to pick up without digging into the surface below. The tines are uniquely tapered allowing the Unifork to easily glide through the muck into the raised back of the fork.  Another distinctive quality, the raised back stows larger loads than the average fork. Choose from one of four fun colors for your new Unifork: fiery red, country green, baby blue, or hot pink.  www.unionjackstable.com

EquestriSol News: Decemeber 14, 2006

NEW CLIENTS
EquestriSol welcomes our newest clients – Joie Gatlin-Morley Abey Show Jumping Inc, Plaid Ranch and Blue Hill Farm, LLC. We’re looking forward to developing custom marketing solutions for these stables. What can we do for you?

Are you ready to develop a fabulous ad or build a web site? Has your web site not been updated or redesigned in months or even years? We aim to help clients attain their marketing goals.

UPCOMING AD DEADLINES
Horse Connection – January Issue
Advertising Deadline: December 15th

California Riding Magazine – January Issue
Advertising Deadline: December 13, 2006

2007 California Riding Horseman’s Directory
Advertising Deadline: January 15, 2007

Show Circuit Magazine – Winter 2007 Issue
Advertising Deadline: January 17, 2007

Chronicle of the Horse – Published weekly, dated Friday
Advertising Deadline: Two weeks prior to the publication date.

WEST COAST ACTIVE RIDERS

Membership
BECOME A WCAR MEMBER by SUNDAY DEC. 17th for a chance to win a PREMIUM GIFT BASKET FROM PAYNE-MASON!

EquestriSol News: November 15, 2006

It’s November 15th!
We’re excited to announce that EquestriSol’s brand new website will launch at the end of day November 15, 2005. If you’ve always wondered and never really quite knew how to ask, this website tells you exactly who we are and what we do. Drop by, take a look and see all we have to offer at www.equestrisol.com. We welcome your feedback!

EliteHunterJumper.com
Latest articles posted on elitehunterjumper.com Zazou Hoffman reports on The Foxfield Jumping Derby & The Maclay Regional Finals, Lena Swanson writes about the Las Vegas World Invitational, and Chelsea Warnement shares a story about her amazing european summer adventure. If you’re interested in having your horses, barn or business featured on EHJ, send an email to [email protected]

Primedia Acquires Equine.com
The #1 special interest magazine publisher, Primedia (they bring you Practical Horseman, EQUUS and Horse & Rider) has acquired the world’s largest online horse marketplace, Equine.com. Founder and President Aaron Bromagem will remain in charge of the company.

EquestriSol News: November 7, 2006

New Clients
EquestriSol announces our newest clients – Caren Kelley of Equestrian Real Estate (Del Mar, CA) and Kathy Keeley’s Show Mom, LLC (Social Circle, GA). Look for new and redesigned web sites as well as creative branding in the coming months. More details soon!

Does your equestrian soul need a marketing solution? Learn more about EquestriSol at www.equestrisol.com

Parkside Stables
We are pleased to announce the launch of EquestriSol’s latest website re-design for Vicki Bergevin’s Parkside Stables (Bellevue, WA). Visit www.parksidestables.com to learn more about Parkside’s quality facility, training and horse show program.

Ready to advertise or build a web site?

Advertising Deadlines
Chronicle of the Horse – Published weekly, dated Friday
Advertising Deadline: Two weeks prior to the publication date

Horse Connection – December Issue
Advertising Deadline: November 15th

Show Circuit Magazine – Winter 2007 Issue
Advertising Deadline: December 1st

HITS Desert Circuit Program Advertising
Advertising Deadline: December 1st

2007 California Riding Horseman’s Directory
Advertising Deadline: December 1st

If you are considering advertising in any horse show programs, publications, directories and/or newsletters, please let us know! We are happy to handle all your advertising needs.

French Wins the $15,000 World Championship Hunter Rider Professional Challenge
At the Capital Challenge Horse Show in Maryland, John French once again illustrated how he can truly ride to the occasion by winning the The Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine $15,000 World Champion Hunter Rider Professional Challenge. French has achieved many victories over the years, including winning this title back in 2000. Read more at www.waldenbrookfarm.com

West Coast Active Riders
Join! Renew! Encourage all your friends to join! Here’s why…

With numerous victories at Spruce as well as in Europe, 2006 was a great year for West Coast show jumping. Let’s make 2007 even better…

West Coast Active Riders continues to help riders achieve their dreams through programs such as the Meritorious Rider Scholarship, the Spruce Meadows Prix de Nations Teams and continued efforts to send qualified show jumpers to Europe. Help us support the sport of show jumping on the West Coast!

Learn more about all WCAR has to offer at the National Preview and Los Angeles National horse shows this week and next. WCAR will have a booth in vendor row from Thursday – Sunday each week.  Stop by for information, applications, drawings and more.

  • Meritorious Rider Scholarship Program
  • Spruce Meadow Prix de Nations Teams
  • NEW in 2007! Exclusive Membership to PAYNE-MASON
    Enjoy quality wines, chocolates, cigars, coffee, art and more at www.paynemason.com. More details available with membership.

It’s easy to renew your membership or become a new member, join NOW online or see us at the show!  Click here to complete the 2007 WCAR Membership application. Visa and Mastercard accepted.