Looking for New Opportunities and suggestions

[AshleyAdams]

I am saddened to make this announcement to everyone today. Ashley Adams Eventing is looking for a new home. As some of you may know, Kylie Dermody was Geoff Nichols’ previous employee and chose to leave and move to Ireland almost 3 years ago. At that time, I took over the position at TWH as the head trainer, barn manager, instructor, and groom–and have loved every single minute of it!! I have brought the current batch of Irish horses up from the ground and they are now on the cusp of greatness at a young and promising age. I am forever grateful to those horses and their huge hearts. However, Kylie has now made the decision to move back to the states and Geoff Nichols has decided to aid her in her desire to start a business over here and get her riding career started over in the states with his horses. Sadly that means that my skills are being asked to go elsewhere to better that relationship. It goes without saying that I am gutted. I am so proud of these horses and what we have done together. I am also so proud of my working students and their hard work and dedication. I am going to fulfill my duty to these horses and students for a bit longer as I feel that is the right thing to do. I can not thank everyone enough for their support of me and the horses over the past few years. As any rider knows, the love of the animal and sport is why we do what we do! I thank the Nichols’ for the opportunity to better their horses and get their farm name out in the Eventing community. As this move was completely unexpected, I am proud to say that I have upheld my Equestrian and Eventing morals, standards, and ethics. Equally so, it is going to be a bit bittersweet, but exciting to be able to offer other people and horses the skills and hard work that I have given to the Nichols for the past years. While I am fulfilling my commitments to the Nichols’ and TWH, I am open to any opportunity that presents itself. Thanks again so much to everyone, especially friends and family, that has supported me and the amazing horses that have just transformed from rank unbroke Irish kids, to now skilled competitive Event horses!!

Due to this very recent development, I am now looking for a new situation. As most of you know the horse world is always open to some sort of interpretation! That being said, I am looking for an active barn that needs an instructor/rider/or someone of my ability to put a program in place. I know each situation is very different, and I would love to hear how some of you have set up your barns as far as paying an instructor, regards to board fees vs training fees etc. Change is hard and scary especially when the rug gets pulled out but also can open a new door. I was hoping to get some suggestions on areas or people that are out there.

Thank you!
Ashley

[pcwertb]

We were stabled next to you at a show (Ocala, a few years back) and you were so friendly and such a nice rider. I hope you can find a great place to base a business out of!

[Zuri]

Wow. This must be a bitter pill to swallow. I don’t think anyone likes to be considered disposable. I hope you can land on your feet and continue doing what you love. Sometimes this can be for the best. I commend your attitude as this is tough. Can Mr. Nichols help you find another position?

[bornfreenowexpensive]

Where do you want to be located? There are a few farms that may have space to run your buisness out of. What is your wish list? (you know, besides winning the lottery

I heard of a farm in NJ (not that long ago) that was looking for someone to run their business out of it. Those sort of opportunities are around.

Few things listed here for example (scroll up to see farms for rent too):

http://www.horsedelval.com/classfd.htm#clcode400

[EventingChase]

Full Gallop Farm in Aiken was recently looking for a trainer or soemone to run thier buisness from there.

[JER]

I don’t have any specifics for you but I do want to wish you best of luck for an exciting future. You clearly have a lot to offer with your equestrian skills and your brave, cheerful attitude.

Please keep us updated on your quest.

[Winding_Down]

If I were an event trainer looking for a base, I would consider Charlottesville Virginia. I think there are lots of opportunities in that area and not as many trainers given the popularity of eventing and the resources there. North Charlottesville, in particular would be great.

Richmond VA is also an area with a good horse and person population without a lot of trainers.

Key may be to find an area that needs you juxtaposed with an area that is in close enough proximity to events and schooling opportunities.

[retreadeventer]

Whereever you land, best of luck! We all have to make our way, and find the bumps and the good times…but there is a whole lotta crap in the horse world, I’m hoping you land well. Go where your best friends are!

[secretariat]

When competition, opportunity, and activities are considered, I’d look closely at major urban locations in Area IV.

[notanotherone]

Area II all the way! Chester County PA is a hot spot for eventers with tons of local events in your backyard. Also, if you can go a little further south into Delaware, it’s cheaper and still close to MD, PA, NJ, and VA. I know in my area (near the beach in DE) an upper level eventer would have tons of students! No upper level trainers anywhere here unless you’re willing to drive an hour or more!

[LisaB]

So sorry! I seem to recall a couple of people moving to CA. I’m wondering if their previous positions are open. Or, move to CA! I would contact Lesley Stevenson about how she’s going about it. I don’t think there’s enough riders here in AZ or NM to really get a business going but they certainly are nice people and total die hards!

[pegasusmom]

While I don’t have anything at the moment to offer, I wanted to say that I have known Ashley for a long time and have watched her mature into a first class professional. Her horse care is impeccable, she has an excellent attitude toward both her horses and her working students. TWH’s loss will be someone else’s gain.

[Hannahsmom]

Nice post Ashley. Classy in a tough situation. I remember you and your mom with your first Prelim horse at a clinic with Kim in Mocksville. You will move on and have great new experiences

[woodstock]

Ashley–please do seriously consider Richmond, Virginia area. As was stated-we are seriously short on quality event trainers, though we have an active equine community here. Areas to consider-- Manakin Sabot, Va (or anywhere in Goochland County); Rockville, Va (or anywhere in Western Hanover County). Let me know if I can provide any more specifics!

[Humblepie]

[QUOTE=pegasusmom;7669741]
While I don’t have anything at the moment to offer, I wanted to say that I have known Ashley for a long time and have watched her mature into a first class professional. Her horse care is impeccable, she has an excellent attitude toward both her horses and her working students. TWH’s loss will be someone else’s gain.[/QUOTE]

Ditto this. As a parent of one of Ashley’s working students, she has been nothing short of amazing and a true professional and outstanding instructor for my daughter. Ashley has helped her safely bring a young OTTB from Beginner Novice to successfully completing their first training level event together. Kudos to you Ashley for taking the high road - You will make some amazing lemonade from this lemon.

[Winding_Down]

[QUOTE=woodstock;7670728]
Ashley–please do seriously consider Richmond, Virginia area. As was stated-we are seriously short on quality event trainers, though we have an active equine community here. Areas to consider-- Manakin Sabot, Va (or anywhere in Goochland County); Rockville, Va (or anywhere in Western Hanover County). Let me know if I can provide any more specifics![/QUOTE]

I brought this up earlier as noted, and this really is a great area to settle. Ashley, you were in the Charlottesville/Orange area for a while so it’s not that far from where you’ve been. Plus, you’re close to a fun city and the housing opportunities are affordable.

As much as I’d love to see you up in the northern part of Virginia, I do think we have an over-abundance of good trainers and instructors and it would be hard to generate as much business here. It would be fun to have you here though!

[EEventing]

We love you in area 1!!!

[sheltona01]

If you are looking at VA, look at the Virginia Beach Area. Would love to have a great eventing instructor there.

[AshleyAdams]

Thank you so much for everyones reply. I appreciate the kind words and support! I am exploring all options right now as every situation is different and it is really important to make sure that while exploring the options, both parties needs will be met. I have been lucky enough to work in some top event barns but never in a position where there were students/boarders/ and active event horses, as that is what i am looking for. So it was nice to hear of the areas that I might be able to find such a thing!

This is a new adventure for me and I hope that I am able to find something that I am able to help some other little rider get the eventing bug and find a couple horses to ride in the process!!

Thanks again to everyone.

Ashley

[Robby_Johnson]

[QUOTE=AshleyAdams;7676992]
Thank you so much for everyones reply. I appreciate the kind words and support! I am exploring all options right now as every situation is different and it is really important to make sure that while exploring the options, both parties needs will be met. I have been lucky enough to work in some top event barns but never in a position where there were students/boarders/ and active event horses, as that is what i am looking for. So it was nice to hear of the areas that I might be able to find such a thing!

This is a new adventure for me and I hope that I am able to find something that I am able to help some other little rider get the eventing bug and find a couple horses to ride in the process!!

Thanks again to everyone.

Ashley[/QUOTE]

I love you so much! Come stay with me if you need a break, or if you want to spend a weekend being strategic. Having known you for nearly 10 years, and having watched you ride for at least that many (your trip at Rolex really will always stand out to me as EXCEPTIONAL), I know you have and bring value to any prospective employer. I think your talents and skills in the tack are so noteworthy that you might consider “doing you,” for a bit of time. Could you call on any IRE connections and see if opportunities exist across the pond?