had an acting manager and did a bit of that. “I was not sure if
she would come back to riding after that,” said Steve. “She didn’t
ride at all for 2 years, until she went on a business trip to New
Zealand with her mom.”
“In New Zealand my mom was working and I had nothing
to do so I found a place that would let me just ride out on 3000
acres with sheep, cattle, trees, rivers and wide open spaces. I
went with a guide and for 3 hours, he and I, galloped across the
country side and I fell I love with riding all over again. I came
home, started riding and have been on horses 6 days a week
every since. I realized that is what I want to do with my life and
I have not looked back.”
“The hardest part of coming back is me not being where I was
when I left. I did step right back into the big classes, but it was
not as easy as I thought it would be. All last year was really brutal
for me, especially Thermal. Everyone has to pay their dues and
I guess I was up to the challenge because I kept trying. Half way
through 2007 it all started coming back together again; I was so
glad,” said Ashlee with a smile.
“The best part of coming back is having a new found passion
and love for the sport, then realizing again it is supposed to be
fun. I did take it seriously but I realized how lucky I am. How
so few people get to say they get to ride horses and jump fences
every day. Before this, I really didn’t appreciate everything
since it was just always something I did. Now it is something I
CHOOSE to do, I want to be better and better. I want to see
where I can get to.”
“Working with my dad has been really good. We have both
grown a lot and it’s been a great thing for both of us. When I
was younger it was harder because I was so stubborn, as all kids
are. I so appreciate him now and know none of this is possible
without him.”
Ashlee is intuitive, intelligent and wise a bit beyond her years.
Her sense of humor and love of life is worn right on the end of
her sleeve and can be deceptive unless you take a few minutes
to discuss her personal philosophy. “I used to want to know so
much about what is years ahead but I have learned to be patient.
Now I like to know my long range goals but live in the now to
make them happen. Next on the goal sheet for me is the Del
Mar $100,000 Grand Prix, and then to Spruce Meadows where
I get to show for the first time. I have never shown there and I
am so excited about going. Luckily I did well enough at Thermal
this year to help with expenses too! I cannot even explain how
excited I am to get the experience. Obviously I want to do well,
but it will be great to just hold my own ground in that type of
competition. ”
Page 52, Left To Right: Ashlee & Victory gallop; Steve Bond
This Page Top Two: Ashlee & Southern Girl
This Page Bottom: Ashley Bond and Richard Spooner
Opposite Page Top to Bottom: An emotional Ashlee Bond; Steve
Bond in GP ring
54
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