Ashley Cortez – Dora, Alabama

WHAT HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE ARE YOU GRADUATING FROM?
I’m graduating from Corner High School in Corner, Alabama.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOLLOWING GRADUATION?
Following graduation, I will be attending the University of North Alabama in Florence. I’m not sure what degree I want to pursue yet but I am leaning towards business or physical therapy.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN THE TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE INDUSTRY AND/OR HOW ARE YOU RELATED TO THE INDUSTRY?
I’ve been in the Walking Horse industry for as long as I can remember. I played around in the hunter/jumper world for a few years but never turned back after being gifted my first Tennessee Walking Horse pony when I was 9. 

DO YOU CURRENTLY HAVE HORSES IN TRAINING AND IF SO, WHO ARE THEY AND WHO IS YOUR TRAINER?
Yes! A few of my favorite horses we have in training with Campbell Stables in Cullman, Alabama include Miss Ebony Rose, I’m All About Cash and Vindictive.

TELL US ABOUT A SPECIAL HORSE RELATED MEMORY WHETHER IN THE RING, ON THE TRAIL OR AT THE BARN?
My favorite horse related memory was the 2019 Celebration, right before I was about to get on Miss Ebony Rose. My trainer, Steve, pulled me aside and prayed over both me and Miss Ebony Rose and it’s a moment I cherish and think of often! I’m so blessed to be a part of a barn I truly consider family and can always count on.

HOW HAVE HORSES HELPED YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR FUTURE?
Horses have helped me prepare for my future by teaching me responsibility, patience and gratitude for even the tiniest successes.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PERSONAL WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENTTHAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO PASS ALONG TO FELLOW SENIORS DURING THIS TIME?
I would say to truly live in the moment and soak up every experience you’re placed into. Always trust that God has a purpose for everything in your life and he wants to see you flourish.