Ashley started riding from age two for physiotherapy and help with balance after being diagnosed with cerebral palsy. She has gone on to proudly represent Canada in Paralympic games at Beijing (2008), London (2012), and Rio (2016). Aside from her riding achievements, Ashley is also a talented speaker and author. She is an ambassador for Right to Play, a children’s organization that promotes healthy and active living, and has published her first book, My Opportunities Just Dress Up As Obstacles.

What is your most memorable championship and why?A: It's so hard to pick my favourite competition because each one of them whether they were beautiful or a little bit of chaos taught me something about my horse and myself. The London 2012 Paralympics... One of the many European tours we had over the more than a decade that I competed... My last time up the centerline with my favourite horse before she was retired in Florida. So many sweet memories.

Can you tell us more about your book “My Opportunities Just Dress Up As Obstacles”? Who should read this book?A: I knew that I was coming to the end of my riding career in the lead up to the 2016 Paralympics Games, and so I wanted to take some of the journal entries that I had penned during my years of competing and remember all of the hilarious, ridiculous, situations that I had found myself in over the years as I bounced around the world. I also know that there are a lot of questions that able-bodied people want to ask me as a wobbly person but maybe they don't have the courage to say something to my face. So I wrote down my story, I tried to do my best to be as honest and transparent as possible as well as share both the highs and lows of my life thus far. Anyone and everyone should read my book and if you do I hope you laugh out loud at least once and maybe start to dream your own larger-than-life dreams.

What challenges did you face during your school days? What or who motivated you to face those challenges?A: I grew up in a time where most people who walked or moved like myself didn't go to a mainstream school and do work alongside their able-bodied counterparts. I am extremely thankful to my parents for the way that they chose to raise me. They fought for me to be in a normal school just like everyone else and they continually challenged my teachers and school administration to find ways to include me in the school community. Now, that doesn't mean that I didn't face some name-calling every now and then, but for the most part, I grew up with an amazing group of friends who never saw me as a girl with Cerebral Palsy. They went out of their way to make me feel like one of the gang and include me in all of life's adventures. A community that has your back is a very powerful thing.

What are your other hobbies?A: I have a bit of an adrenaline-junky spirit so I enjoy trying things that will get my heart pumping. Bungee jumping and skydiving have definitely been a highlight. Travelling and exploring new countries is something that brings my soul to life and always leaves me feeling very thankful. I have two more continents to set my feet on and then I can say I have been to every one of them. I also enjoy reading, writing, and listening to music.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?A: Ask questions, find people who are a little bit farther down the road than you and your family are and ask them questions learn from the paths that they have already walked down. Don't be afraid to ask for help and voice your fears to the right people. I started a consulting business for parents and young children with disabilities for this very reason. Knock on every door, and try every activity until you find the things that your child is passionate about. Whether that be a sport, reading, writing, cooking, or game making. Don't be afraid for your child to try and fail that is a part of life for everyone. You can't protect them from everything that life will throw their way but you can teach them how to pick themselves up and keep on going.

Any special message for our community?A: Don't ever let them tell you that you can't, and never be afraid to take your seat at the table.