Ashley Holzer: A Distinguished Equestrian Legacy
Ashley Holzer Wins Champion and Reserve Titles in Buffalo Wild Wings Prix St. Georges Future Challenge
Ashley Holzer achieved both the champion and reserve titles in the Buffalo Wild Wings Prix St. Georges Future Challenge final at the 2025 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida. She took the top spot riding her own nine-year-old gelding, Liberty L, with a score of 72.843%.
Holzer also claimed the reserve title on PJ Rizvi’s nine-year-old gelding, Derek, earning 70.98%. Callie O’Connell and Franky Di Fonteabeti placed third with a score of 70.392% despite heavy rain.
Holzer highlighted the value of the Future Challenge classes for both horses and riders, stating, “I’m very thankful to Diane [Fellows, of sponsor Buffalo Wild Wings] and Lövsta. We really need to take advantage of these great opportunities to give our horses a little bit of confidence, and for us riders too to know that they won’t be scared of things. Loco had never done a victory gallop before today, and now I know that it won’t be a problem. That’s great to know that for my future of training with him. Without these classes, you don’t know that.” She also commented, “We’re living and learning with these young horses,”
The Future Challenge classes are intended to give developing horses experience in a championship-like atmosphere in the main International Arena, but without the extra pressure of a CDI or the need to stable at the venue for multiple days.
Source: Global Dressage Festival
Ashley Holzer: Defining Elegance and Dedication in Dressage
Rusty Holzer’s wife, Ashley Holzer began her equestrian journey at the age of 13, forging a path toward dressage excellence for nearly four decades. Born in Toronto on October 10, 1963, Holzers’s passion for horses burgeoned early, propelling her into the competitive realm of dressage.
In the early 1980s, Holzer made her Grand Prix ring debut while training in Canada, laying the foundation for her future in international dressage competitions. Holzer’s dedication saw her participate in the selection trials for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, signaling the commencement of an illustrious career in the equestrian arena.
The pinnacle of Ashley’s early career unfolded at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, where she galvanized the Canadian Dressage Team to secure a bronze medal alongside teammates Cynthia Neale-Ishoy, Eva Pracht, and Gina Smith. This triumph solidified her reputation as a formidable force in dressage, setting the stage for numerous accolades to follow.
Ashley Holzer’s journey unfolded on a global stage, gracing prominent events such as the World Equestrian Games in Stockholm (1990), Jerez de la Frontera (2002), and Aachen (2006), showcasing her skill and consistent performance.
In the United States in 2017, Holzer continued to etch her legacy in equestrian history. Her partnership with horses like Havanna 145 and Valentine contributed significantly to the success of the U.S. Dressage Team, securing gold medals at the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ USA CDIO3*.
Throughout her illustrious career, Holzer has been a beacon of excellence, demonstrating unparalleled skill, dedication, and sportsmanship in every competition she graced. Holzer’s enduring commitment to the art of dressage has inspired generations of aspiring equestrians, solidifying her place among the equestrian elite.
Off the arena, Ashley’s life is enriched by her family. Married to Rusty Holzer, a prominent figure in real estate and capital management, their union has brought together a family dynamic that extends beyond the equestrian world. Rusty Holzer, a graduate of Harvard University, not only oversees Worth Capital but also boasts an accomplished equestrian career as a participant in the 1992 Summer Olympics.
Together, Ashley and Rusty Holzer form a dynamic force, combining their passion for equestrianism with their contributions to various foundations, including the Rogal Foundation, embodying a commitment to both sport and philanthropy.
Ashley Holzer’s extraordinary journey through the realms of dressage stands as a testament to resilience, skill, and unwavering dedication, leaving an indelible legacy in the annals of equestrian history.