A new DO for Scotland

British Dressage (BD) is delighted to announce Ashley Stewart as the new Development Officer for Scotland. With a sound background in equestrian sport, teaching and business operations, Ashley will start in the region on 28 March, taking over from Emma Devoy who leaves after eight years for a new chapter.

Ashley’s love for horses started in her native Scotland aged ten and she’s travelled and lived in New Zealand, England and Australia, enjoying her passion wherever life took her. She completed an Equine Science degree at Bishop Burton before going on to do a Post Graduate Diploma in Education which she put to good use to lecture in Equine Studies at Salford City College.

After her time in the southern Antipodean area, Ashley returned to Scotland to manage a livery yard and it was here a passion for dressage was ignited through a chestnut mare which she turned from jumping machine to dressage delight. For the last seven years, she’s been based in Fife at her own livery yard which Ashley runs alongside a full-time role as Office Manager at an independent supplier of catering equipment where she’s instigated a number of changes to help the business to thrive. She’s currently enjoying success with a dressage-bred horse she bought as a youngster from the field. The combination has enjoyed success at Regional and Area Festivals at novice, making good use of the BD structure and training along the way.

“Scotland has such a vibrant dressage community - from grassroots level to grand prix. There have been so many exciting developments recently with our brilliant venues and top-level coaches and judges who are consistently evolving and advancing their skill sets,” said Ashley. “I believe this is demonstrated through Scotland's representation at championship levels across the board and our contribution to the sport as a whole and I can’t wait to be a central part of it. 

“My main goal in my new role is to see our combined passion for dressage continue to flourish in Scotland. To quote Helen Keller, ‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much’. I’m excited to get involved with the development of all aspects in our region by championing all of our members, breeders, owners, riders, officials and associates,” she continued.

Scotland Chairman Caroline Patterson commented; “It has been a pleasure working with Emma Devoy in my time as Judges Rep and now as Chair and I for one will be very sad to see her moving on to pastures new. From the committee and everyone involved with British Dressage Scotland, I’d like to say huge thank you to Emma for developing the region to where we are now across all areas of dressage in the eight years she dedicated to the post.

“I am sure everyone in the region will join myself and the committee in welcoming Ashley, who brings with her many business development skills along with endless enthusiasm and a huge passion for dressage.”