Ashley Schafer

Martin Saddlery Professional

Ashley Schafer
Hometown

Southwest Iowa

Discipline

Barrel Racing

RIDES

Martin BTR & Stingray

Martin Pro Since

2016

The Story

Building the Foundation for Derby Day

Ashley Schafer is a lifelong horsewoman, barrel horse trainer, and accomplished competitor whose passion for developing horses began early. Raised in southwest Iowa, Ashley grew up in a horse-centered family and built her foundation through local competition, ranch life, and countless hours in the saddle. Her path eventually led her to Oklahoma and the futurity industry, where she found her calling in developing young horses into confident, competitive athletes.

Today, Ashley is recognized as one of barrel racing’s leading trainers and riders, nearing the $5 million in career earnings and championships at major futurities, derbies, and slot races. She also co-founded Between the Reins with Joy Wargo and Jolene Montgomery, giving barrel racers an inside look at their programs through full, unedited training rides and practical instruction. Whether developing a young horse or helping another rider, Ashley’s approach centers on a strong foundation, continued learning, and respect for the horse.

Learn More: Between the Reins

My Martin

Why Ashley Schafer Rides the Stingray

“I choose the Stingray for a horse that comes through a turn and leaves really strong. The straighter, higher back and smaller seat help me feel more secure and stay with my horse instead of getting behind. It gives me a place to hold without holding on my horse’s face, and I think that extra security can really help riders who don’t have as much core strength.”

My Martin

Why Ashley Schafer Rides the BTR

Ashley owns Stingrays too, but she runs in the BTR more often because it's easy for her. The stirrups set slightly forward, so she can keep her feet in front of her and sit deep through the turn.

Ride What Ashley Rides

The Same Saddles. Built for You.

Ashley’s saddles are made in our Greenville, Texas shop. Yours starts with the same leather, the same trees, and the same hands. Take inspiration from her setup, then make it your own.

Build My Martin Saddle Shop Ready to Ship

Barrel Racing

Meet the Pros

Ashley Schafer

Barrel Racer
Comanche, Texas

Leading Pink Buckle Incentive Rider, More Than $1 Million in Career Earnings, Futurity, Derby, Slot Race, and Rodeo Champion.

Meet Ashley

Dena Kirkpatrick

Barrel Racing
Post, Texas

AQHA World Champion, BFA World Championship Futurity Champion, BFA World Championship Futurity All Three Go-Rounds Winner, EquiStat Top 10 Futurity Rider for 10 Consecutive Years.

Meet Dena

Emma Abbott

Barrel Racing
Lafayette, Georgia

Abbott Equine Horse Training in Bluff Dale, Texas, Producer of Successful Rodeo Horses, American Qualifiers, and Futurity Winners, Multiple Horses with Lifetime Earnings Exceeding $300,000.

Meet Emma

Jayci Byler

Barrel Racing
Bellville, Texas

National High School Rodeo Association Barrel Racing Champion, National High School Finals Rodeo Short Round Winner, National High School Finals Rodeo Barrel Racing Average Champion.

Meet Jayci

Jodee Miller

Barrel Racing
Santo, Texas

Old Dort Days Futurity and Derby Champion, 2024 Elite Extravaganza Derby Champion, 2024 San Antonio Wildcard Round Winner, Breeders Challenge Futurity Top 5 Finisher, Multiple American Rodeo Semifinals Qualifier, 2025 American Rodeo Contender Finals Qualifier.

Meet Jodee

Jolene Montgomery

Barrel Racing
De Graff, Ohio

BFA World Futurity Champion, EquiStat Rider of the Year, More Than $3 Million in Earnings as a Trainer and Jockey.

Meet Jolene

Joy Wargo

Barrel Racing
Mountain View, Wyoming

AQHA World Champion, AQHA Reserve World Champion, BFA Reserve World Champion, Multiple 1D Champion.

Meet Joy

Kimmi Byler

Barrel Racing
Bellville, Texas

Barrel Horse Trainer, Former Racehorse Development Specialist, Co-Owner of Byler Performance Equine, Performance Horse Conditioning, Rehabilitation, Recovery, and Aquatic Therapy Specialist.

Meet Kimmi

Sherry Cervi

Barrel Racing
Marana, Arizona

4X WPRA Barrel Racing World Champion (1995, 1999, 2010, 2013), 19X Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Qualifier, 3X Wrangler NFR Average Champion, First Woman to Surpass $3 Million in WPRA Earnings, 2018 National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Inductee.

Meet Sherry