Member Spotlight: Ashley Aylward
Name: Ashley Aylward
Role: Senior Research Manager
Location: DMV
What is your favorite part about being a Lady Saddlers Club member?
I love finally having people who want to do all the horse girl events! The ladies themselves are genuinely wonderful and caring people, who want to get to know you and your stories. The stereotypical horse world is not always a nice one. In my opinion, it mirrors that of the DC political rat race in which it’s driven by status and not the most sincere interactions.
The Lady Saddlers bring genuine connection, kind people, and much needed diversity to the old stale horse-world.
What do you love about horseback riding?
I love the life lessons such as the nonverbal language of communication you learn from working with horses. I was lucky enough to be introduced into riding and working with horses as a young girl and it taught me so much about how to read nonverbal cues on horses that easily translate to people. Being able to read how someone is feeling, even if they don’t have the words to say it, has been a powerful tool in the real world.
Horses are so sensitive and can read their riders so well, so you really learn how to reconnect with your body so that your body language and heart rate aren’t telling your horse to be fearful or anxious. You must portray the calm leadership that allows your horse to trust you to be in control. Those lessons continue to mean everything to me as a young professional in public opinion research when speaking to clients, advocates on the hill or leading presentations in front of hundreds of attendees. To be able to bring yourself to a physiologically calm state when riding has helped me be a better leader at work.
What is your favorite equestrian event?
It’s not really an event, more a time of year, but I love going to Saratoga, New York in the summer during race season. I go to the track and watch horse races and then the historic downtown is all equestrian themed – which is horse girl’s dream! Everywhere you go, you are running into fellow horse people whether they are owners, riders or enthusiasts who are also there for the racing.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Walk into every room like you belong there. Do not wait for someone to pull the chair out for you to join the table, bring your own chair and seat yourself at the table. As long as you speak with confidence and respect for others, the action demands the same treatment from others.