Lugano (“Gani”)

2000 Gelding

Lancer II / Mackensen / Illit

Lugano (aka Gani) is Ashley’s own Grand Prix horse. He was purchased as a four year old and was Ashley’s first endeavor in training a young horse through the levels. Gani has traveled from Maine, to Maryland, Pennsylvania, Florida, New York, and back again with Ashley and has been her partner on her journey as a trainer. Gani was Ashley’s first young horse, first warmblood, first FEI horse, and first Grand Prix horse. The pair earned Ashley her USDF Gold Medal on their first competition at Grand Prix in 2013 with a score of 69% on their first trip down centerline at the level. He has been entirely trained by Ashley with the guidance of some of the country’s top professionals like Courtney King-Dye and Scott Hassler and has participated in events with notables Steffen Peters and most recently in front of 1,000 people with Carl Hester at the NEDA Fall Symposium in 2017. He has been a teacher and inspirer to countless riders, working students, and spectators with his small size and larger than life spirit! Gani is a once in a lifetime horse, who easily could have been an international competitor if not for being the teacher and patient partner he has been for so many. He is still going strong at 19 years old this year and will continue to educate and inspire as long as he is happy doing it!