Ashley Oliver

I started volunteering at VEWS in early 2024.  I enjoy meeting the new horses and assessing what they need to make a connection to their rider.  Being part of the VEWS crew is inspiring and such a privilege to be able to help the horses find loving homes.  I began riding at age 6, encouraged by my father who grew up on a farm and had horses when he was a teenager.  I attended Averett College to study Equestrian Science but eventually my path led to an Outdoor Experiential Education degree from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.  In 2008 I became a certified riding instructor through the American Riding Instructors Association and founded a riding school focused on dressage, eventing, and natural horsemanship.  My goal is to create a safe space for horses and riders to grow their understanding of one another.  I've been fortunate to learn from wonderful teachers, both horse and human, and enjoy passing down my experiences to others.  I enjoy riding dressage, competitive trail, and endurance when I'm not kayaking or paddle boarding.