Wilmer’s involvement with 4-H began about three years ago. She’s a student at Read Mountain Middle School who’s competed in 4-H events over the time of her participation.
Argo is a Morgan horse that is known for being compact or refined in overall build. Morgans have strong legs, an expressive head, and prominent eyes. He’s a good boy but didn’t care to comment on his track record competing alongside Wilmer in dressage and jumping. (Argo prefers jumping, by the way.)
Stacy Collins, the owner of Harmony Equestrian Center and a 4-H leader, has worked with Wilmer for the past couple of years, teaching Wilmer all of the ins and outs of caring for, showing, judging, and riding horses.
Horses are just like people. They have different metabolisms. Collins works with Wilmer on finding the “balance” that works best for horses.
Wilmer has a record book where she records all of the necessary information needed to compete and maintain that her horse lives in suitable conditions.
Wilmer and her horse Argo placed second in jumping and fifth place in Hippology at the Virginia 4-H Horse and Pony Championships in the Senior Division in September. She’s become involved in horse judging over the last year.
“It was really cool when we were (at the championships) when I got to watch some of the other riders on college teams,” Wilmer said. “It was cool to see how their horses moved and their partnership.”
The college riders in the competition are still 18. However, due to the pandemic last year, 4-H allowed some riders who couldn’t compete last year. The championships feature all sorts of riding styles.
The 4-H calendar of events for the upcoming year has yet to be released. However, Wilmer prepares to qualify for her following slate of events. Last year, she completed levels one and two of horsemanship skills—turning, trotting, halting, etc.
“Ashley is a hardworking and dedicated member of our Horse and Pony Club over the last couple of years,” 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent Tyler Painter noted. “She continues to impress us with her knowledge and willingness to display her skills through our local club, as well as regional and state competitions. We are excited about the successes that she has already experienced and we cannot wait to see what she will continue to accomplish throughout her 4-H career.”
This year, Wilmer tackles levels three and four. Qualifying shows aren’t expected to begin until this spring. 4-H members competing in the Horse and Pony Championship must qualify each year.
Wilmer appreciates her time in 4-H. Due to the scheduling, 4-H does a good job spacing out the meetings for students.
“I’ve learned a lot in general,” Wilmer added. “It’s been a lot of fun.”
Collins is proud of Wilmer’s success.
“She’s really competitive,” Collins stated. “We’ve had to rein in her competitiveness, and she’s learned how to channel it. She’s really changed her focus (as a competitor) and not just in 4-H but also in other competitions. She can ride a wide variety of horses. It’s been great.”
Elizabeth Wilmer is Ashley’s mother and biggest supporter. She grew up riding horses and passed down the passion for riding to her daughter, who wanted a horse at a young age.
“It’s exciting to watch Ashley grow and learn,” Elizabeth said. “I really like 4-H because it’s a learning experience. It’s not just the riding. She’s also learning about safety, horsemanship, and taking care of the horses. It’ll help her as she moves forward later in life with horses of her own.”
For more information on 4-H’s Horse Program, visit https://ext.vt.edu/4h-youth/horse.html.
