POLOKWANE – Not many people are able to say that they truly love the work they do, but Ashlee Hammond is a 21-year-old student who used her love for horses to become the best student in her school.
Ashlee was homeschooled and went to Summerhill School of Equine Excellence to further her studies on horses.
“I learnt about horses, horse farming, foaling and training. I also studied stud management. I absolutely love horses and I loved the course. I am living my dream,” she said.
For the second consecutive year, Ashlee was named top student of the year. This means she not only excelled academically, but also in practical lessons. Ashlee won the National Stud Scholarship and left for England in January this year.
“I came home at the end of June after the breeding and foaling season. The graduation ceremony was on June 26 and I did not expect to win anything. I even told my mom, Louise, that I am not as strong and not as clever as the other students,” Ashlee said.
Louise smiled and said she brought her children up to do their best.
Ashlee is now on her way to Cambridge Stud in New Zealand, where she will work on a stud farm.
“I will go at the end of August. Brian O’Rourke, the manager of the National Stud, hand-selects students to be placed at certain international places. This year he only picked five and I was one. The stud farm where I’m going does not even hire women. I will do the foaling season, as well as be a sales rep. When I’m done there in February, I will do a season in South Africa. Then I’m off to Kentucky,” she said excitedly.
Ashlee said she was very blessed to be able to fulfil her dream. “I am very happy and blessed. I even met Queen Elizabeth II while I was in England. That was amazing. I know I made a lot of people proud. I thank my family for all their love and support. For always being there for me. I live my dream and I am happy.”
