Featured Rider - Laine Ashker |
| Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 |
Lainey Ashker (Part 1 of a 4 Part Series)
Frodo Baggins
Black Thoroughbred (NZ) gelding, 16.2 h.h., 1996
Sire & Dam unknown
In 2007, the pair finished 10th at Red Hills CIC**, 2nd at Plantation Fields Advanced, top 20 at Jersey Fresh CCI***, 5th at Area II Advanced Championships @ Five Points Horse Trials, 7th internationally and 4th nationally at Fairhill CCI*** as well as highest placed owner/rider under twenty-five years of age. Named to USEF Winter Training List.
Almost every young aspiring athlete dreams of one day getting the chance to represent their country at an Olympic Games in their lifetime. For me, it wasn’t only a dream, but as I would soon find out, it would materialize into a reality. Every night I would look up to my ceiling in my bedroom and stare at the poster of the US Olympic Team in 1996 (Bruce, Karen, David, and Jill with both David and Mara as individuals), and pray to the horse gods that if I only had the smallest, most minute chance of obtaining this dream, I would take full advantage of it. At twenty three years old, my dream has finally begun. This year is a big year for every rider hoping to get the chance to ride in Hong Kong. Rolex seems to be, and always has been, the most paramount stepping stone in which everyone hopes to show the selectors their best performance to grasp that coveted spot on the US Squad. This year is also a big year for me, in the fact that my horse, Frodo Baggins, will have the chance to compete in his first four star. Although it will be my third time around the Rolex Kentucky terrain, the differences in the mounts I have had the honor of riding is immense.
Frodo is a 16.2 hand black New Zealand 
Thoroughbred. He was purchased five years ago by my supportive mother and grandmother after I saw three pictures of him over the internet and realized that I’d always wanted a New Zealand Thoroughbred! Although Frodo had never done a stitch of eventing in New Zealand, he was no stranger to success and more importantly, vast audiences. As I soon discovered, Frodo was the main Dark Rider’s horse in the first of the blockbusters, The Lord of the Rings. In addition to filming the movie over a course of eight months, he also paraded around New Zealand for fans, met the prime minister of New Zealand, and even walked down the red carpet at the premiere of the film with Elijah Woods himself!
Thoroughbred. He was purchased five years ago by my supportive mother and grandmother after I saw three pictures of him over the internet and realized that I’d always wanted a New Zealand Thoroughbred! Although Frodo had never done a stitch of eventing in New Zealand, he was no stranger to success and more importantly, vast audiences. As I soon discovered, Frodo was the main Dark Rider’s horse in the first of the blockbusters, The Lord of the Rings. In addition to filming the movie over a course of eight months, he also paraded around New Zealand for fans, met the prime minister of New Zealand, and even walked down the red carpet at the premiere of the film with Elijah Woods himself! Yet, Frodo is a very humble creature and is honored when people come to his stall and ask for autographs or take pictures with him. Always a gentleman, he is constantly yearning for attention from anyone who will give it, and will try to devour anything that you place near his mouth. Last year we placed 7th internationally and 4th nationally at Fairhill CCI***. Additionally, we were named to the Winter Training List which is the closest I have ever been to that Olympic dream.
In mid January, my horses and I will leave the chilly temperatures in Crozier, Virginia and head south to the sunny skies of Ocala, Florida. Right when we get unpacked is when the real work begins. We will be staying with my coach, Buck Davidson, a regular at Rolex, and seeking his help on a daily basis in preparing for the upcoming spring season. Our trot sets, gallop increments, jump schools, and dressage practice will all be overseen by Buck. I attribute most of my success with horses, besides from that of my mother, to Buck. After a week of acclimating to our new southern home, Frodo and I will encounter the first of the training sessions with Captain Mark Phillips. Soon thereafter, we will be in high gear as we continue on the path to Kentucky. Because the last phase, the show jumping, is an area we event riders always seek improvement, I plan on attending mini jumper shows that are to be held at the Florida Horse park on a weekly basis. Aside from that, I look forward to mentally and physically encapsulating the teachings of Laura Kraut throughout our
Winter Training sessions.Of course, anyone who knows me knows my mother with her contagious laugh and crazy red cowboy boots. She will be helping Frodo and I along the way, making sure to be in attendance at most of the shows throughout the winter/spring season. Her help, and mostly her support, have always been dear to me throughout my life with horses as they will continue to do so.
As we gear up for the oncoming season, many preparations will be made to keep the horses in as good of health as possible. Additionally, because of the challenging terrain Kentucky offers, I know that advancing and maintaining Frodo’s fitness will be essential to our performance. Please stay tuned as we gallop on to the next increment in the quest for the Rolex title in the rolling hills of the Blue Grass State!
Lainey