Ashley Johnson

Ashley Johnson grew up in Pennington, New Jersey, joining the local Pony Club at 9 years old and competing in her first event shortly thereafter. Ashley went on to achieve her ‘A’ Pony Club rating, then graduated from Rutgers University with majors in English and theater and a minor in art history. After college, she decided to pursue a non-horse-related career path and worked at Christie’s Auction House in New York City in the Modern Art department. While working at Christie’s, Ashley came to the realization that for her, training horses was her own personal favorite form of art, and she decided to switch gears and dedicate herself to a career with horses.

Ashley ran her first Advanced horse trial in 2001 and was named to the USET Developing Riders program in 2002. If that sounds like a lot of accolades for what was still a young rider, we’ve barely hit the tip of the iceberg.

Through the next several years, Ashley developed and competed multiple horses to the Advanced/4* level while continuing to expand her business. In 2009, she received her certification as an ICP Level III Instructor from the USEA. In 2014 and 2015, she notched top-15 finishes at the 4* level with OTTB Tactical Maneuver, and in 2016, they made their 5* debut at Kentucky with a clear cross-country round. Ashley and Tactical Maneuver returned to Kentucky in 2018, logging another completion and clear cross country. In addition to her eventing accomplishments, Ashley is also a USDF Bronze medalist and has competed in showjumping through the 1.40m level. In 2016, she was named coach of the University of Florida Eventing Team, and in 2022, was named Area 3 Young Rider Coach.

We know, that’s a lot, but we’re still not done! While maintaining her riding, coaching, and training business in Ocala, FL at her own Totem Hill Farm, Ashley has also continued to pursue academics, and in 2021, she received a master’s in psychology from Harvard University Extension School as well as becoming a licensed ‘r’ judge and technical delegate with USEA. Ashley’s well-rounded education and strong academic background make her a fantastic asset as a Ride iQ coach!