Ascend Equestrian Center

Ascend Equestrian is pleased to announce that we are moving locations! Our new farm boasts more acreage, trails, and multiple arenas and grass fields for riding! Convenient location off of 540 in Raleigh NC! 💙🩵💛

aka Tito takes home his first tri-color! Reserve Champion in the WTC division. 🖤🤍🖤

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Ascend Equine Crew! 🎉🎄🍾🕎

😂🤣😂 oops

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We love having Sammy around our barn. She is kind, considerate, and a great horsewoman. Way to go Sammy! We love you! 🩵🎉 Anjana Bhuta Wills Lisa Dye Katie Schaaf

Riding With Tics by Sammy Wills

Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes me to make uncontrollable noises and movements. Sometimes these noises and movements can affect my everyday life, including horseback riding.

I often will get confusing looks, smirks, or even laughs when I enter school. Every time I jerk my arms or make a weird sound I bring myself unwanted attention. It’s very stressful waiting for the next moment someone will hear you ‘tic’ and decide to retort back with loud snickers as they walk away.

Even then, that is not my everyday problem. Each day I face having to fight my tics to do simple tasks like type on the computer, write math problems, rest, and even horseback ride.

Thankfully I have learned to manage my tics so they are not as seen, but even if you don’t see them, that doesn’t mean I’m not still suppressing them. When I feel my anxiety bubble up or I am in a high pressure situation I work harder to suppress my tics. Because Tourette Syndrome either wanes or waxes as you age, with not a lot of knowledge of which one at which time, sometimes controlling the tics is easy, sometimes they are uncontrollable.

The problem is, tics feel like a jolting shock running through you, with the only way to stop it is to tic. If you suppress all those shocks long enough it gets too much to hold and you end up ticing more. Which is why IEA has been such a great tool for me in managing my tics. Having to focus on forming a quick and respectful bond with my draw on the spot allows for me to train myself to quiet my tics. I need to be focused and be as clear to the horse as possible. I can’t accidentally give the wrong cue or cluck at the wrong time or we both might get confused.

Beyond the arena, the IEA community itself has been wonderful, kind, and caring towards asking insightful questions and treating me equally. Whenever my tics are noticeable, whether it be a group lesson or at a show, riders always ask respectful questions and seem genuinely interested in how I combat Tourette Syndrome.

I want anyone facing difficulties beyond their control to know that there are people out there who care and will respect you. People will be there to stick up for you and learn in any way they can. Some days are harder than others but I have never doubted for a second that my coaches, team, and the IEA community have my back.

We can always learn more, including myself. That’s what is so great about diversity, it gives us an outlet to people’s lives we may not experience on our own. And in doing so we create a more understanding and accommodating community that is there for each and every person.

highlights riders stories on how IEA has impacted their lives from across the Nation.

Want to submit a story or learn more? Email [email protected].

Good Luck to Gabby and her pony Uber as they head to Pony Finals 2023!!! We hope you have the best time and a safe trip!🍀🩵🎉 Heidi Lamoriello Sammartino Katie Schaaf Lisa Dye

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was a star this week 🤩🩵 came out very fresh after some time off! NCHJA Annual Horse Show

Stay safe and Happy Birthday America! 🇺🇸💥🩵

A Music Track Specially Designed to Help Relieve Stress in Horses This is a music track, but not just any music track. It’s specially designed to help relieve stress in your horse. Download the Relax Trax audio at https://e...

Queen’s Gambit 👑♟️ A stunning red roan green large pony for L only. Measures 14.1hh; Papered QH turning 5yo in August. “Peach” is lovely on the ground, and is the quintessential well broke QH. She loves kids! Just making her transition into hunter pony life, she’ll be heading to the NCHJA Annual Horse Show this week to see the sights! 📞 Jody 919-369-9939 👀 until the end to see her whoa on voice command!

IYKYK 😅

😂😂 it gets out of control pretty quickly!

The truth 😂

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We still have space this Friday! Join us for vet work and/or saddle fittings with Mary Bowles at Ascend Equestrian Center. Text us at 919-525-5465 to get on the schedule. 🐎

One stall available for full board at Ascend Equestrian Center! Located in Pittsboro NC.

- 3 feedings/day
- Fescue hay plus alfalfa available for an extra fee
- Individual daily turnout weather permitting
- Riding arena with jumps and lights
- Indoor and outdoor wash racks
- Employees on site 24/7

Please contact Jody (919-369-9939) or Leigh (704-654-7388).

Join us for vet work and/or saddle fittings with Mary Bowles at Ascend Equestrian Center on April 28. 🐎 Take advantage of having both of these professionals in the same place!

We are very proud of these two conquering their first show! 😍 Thank you to everyone who supports them! Missy Duke, Triple B Stables, Greg Brittenham, Mary Bowles, Jody Shover, Lindsey Cobb

It may be too wet to go out and play, but our horses still get outside time with hand walking around the property! 🌧️🐴

Two stalls available for full board at Ascend Equestrian Center! Located in Pittsboro NC.

- 3 feedings/day
- Fescue hay plus alfalfa available for an extra fee
- Individual daily turnout weather permitting
- Riding arena with jumps and lights
- Indoor and outdoor wash racks
- Employees on site 24/7

Please contact Jody (919-369-9939) or Leigh (704-654-7388).

All of the horses are settling in and enjoying the ☀️ 😎

Oops 🙊

It always happens to us 😂
credits: shatequestrians