Young riders at Ashley’s barn got back on their horses to take this photo in Ashley’s memory. Photo by Amy Crownover.
The eventing community continues to grieve the loss — and celebrate the life — of Ashley Stout, who died in a cross country schooling accident on Thursday.
“A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered,” the family shared. “Ashley’s passion for riding and for her beloved horse, Grady, drove her young life.”
A number of memorial gestures have been set into motion, each a reflection of the young rider’s own vibrant spirit both in and out of the tack.
Visitation was held on Monday and a funeral service will be held today, Tuesday, July 16, at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd Catholic Church (867 Grays Woods Boulevard, State College, Pa.). In honor of Ashley, all fellow riders are encouraged to wear formal competition attire, sans helmet, to the service. In the lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to the Area 2 Young Riders Program in Ashley’s name. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com. Ashley’s full obituary can be viewed here.
The USEA Area II Young Rider program is promoting the use of the hashtag #ride4Ashley, and thousands of photos have been shared on social media in Ashley’s memory. Riders at the upcoming North American Youth Championships at The Event at Rebecca Farm will be wearing lapel ribbons imprinted with #ride4Ashley, and she will be remembered during the Welcome Ceremony.
On behalf of the eventing community, we continue to hold Ashley’s family, friends and connections in our hearts. #ride4Ashley
Image via the Area II Young Riders Facebook page.
