Alex Ashman

I’m Alex Ashman, and I sell horses at Spartanwood Farm, the family farm in Cheshire. I’m more of a matchmaker than a horse dealer – my goal is to find great horses and match them to clients’ requirements. I’m only happy when the horse goes to a good owner, and the owner gets a super horse.

Early start

I started riding when I was 5 years old. My parents ran a hotel and so the summers were really busy - to keep me occupied I was sent to Lasswade Riding School near Edinburgh, for a week long summer camp. My Mum made a big mistake as she couldn‘t drag me away! I must have spent the rest of the holidays there, and carried on with lessons every Saturday to ride my favourite pony, Nutty, who later became my first pony.

A couple of years later we moved to Fife and I joined Glenrothes Pony Club. These were some great years. My friends and I had great jumping ponies and were an unbeatable show jumping team. We had pony club camp at Perth Racecourse, where we all got into a lot of trouble! - but we learned loads, too.

International Show Jumping

I competed in BSJA (British Show Jumping Association) with my ponies and was on the Scottish show jumping team in 128cm and 138cm. I moved onto horses early instead of doing 148cm. My first horse, Windmere Teidi, is still jumping today - he was a good servant to me, and taught me a lot.

I have been lucky to have had a few very good horses. Bally Noe Belle was an out-and-out winner, and qualified for Olympia, Horse of the Year Show and Hickstead. She was a gem, and we kept her. Sadly, she died a couple of years ago but she had some fabulous foals and I am competing on Weebelle now, who is her daughter.

My best horse was Randal. I won the National Under-21‘s Championship on him, and he took me to the European championships three years in succession. We travelled to Belgium, Lisbon (where I got very sunburned!) and Switzerland - all very long drives.

I have had some very special horses, and I still have Randal today. I have also been fortunate to have been based with Ted and Liz Edgar for two years. They are the very best, and Liz is still the very best lady rider in the world - she is pure class to watch. My time there was invaluable, and was a fabulous experience. I have also had lessons from Mary and David Broome, Malcom Pyrah, Blyth Tait, Mark Phillips, Ernest Dillon and - my favourite - Susie Gibson.

Competing internationally was a great experience and fantastic fun. My favourite show was the `Horse of the Year Show` - Randal always went well there, and it was such a good atmosphere. My scariest experience was walking the course for the Queens Cup for the first time - it was massive! I kept thinking "I’ll watch a couple go" - and then remembered "I can’t - I’m first in!!"

Today

I get great enjoyment working with horses. I ride most days and do most of the yard duties and work myself. I also teach and compete at shows with some nice young horses that I have bred.

I’d dealt in horses on and off throughout my career, but decided to make it my career in 2000. A lot of people ask me if I get upset when I sell horses - well, sometimes I do. But I get so much pleasure from the text messages, emails and phone calls I get telling me of many successes that they are having.

I try to have a selection of horses and ponies, and am always on the look out for good genuine horses - whether a safe, Pony Club type or a young horse with a lot of talent.

Alex Ashman Horses is the first call for anyone looking for horses or ponies for sale. I offer a personalised service, aimed at matching top-quality horses and ponies with people who enjoy horse riding and want to own their own horse. I supply top-class, genuine horses for all levels.

Sarah Johnson & Willoughbridge Red Ruby 5th BYEH qualifier first time out.

I`ve been around horses all my life, and competed internationally on the Great Britain show jumping team (read more about my life with horses). Using my experience and knowledge, I take time to work out what kind of horse will suit you - this will depend on what type of rider you are and what sort of riding or competing you want to do. Please feel free to ring me or send me an email if you are unsure what sort of horse is best for you – I’m always happy to advise people. Find out how I can help you choose.

I find the best horses and ponies from across the UK and Ireland and Europe, using my expertise and network of contacts. I have had a lot of fun spotting very nice horses and ponies for people that have gone on to be extremely successful in various disciplines. I love finding genuine and talented horses, and watching them do well for their new owners.