Starting her career as a hairdresser, Ashleigh Fairbrother knew she was not cut out for the role and sought to pursue a new passion in life. She walked out of the salon in Kingaroy where she had grown up, gone to school and completed her apprenticeship and drove to Northwest Queensland to work on a station.

Ashleigh had grown up in the show ring and used to break in her own show ponies until she was sixteen but working in the cattle industry opened the door to Campdrafting.

Ms Fairbrother has come a long way from the show ring. Riding ‘Brother Tuff Wood’, she recently came first overall in the All Round Civil Open Challenge at the Rocky Rush Stockman’s Challenge and Campdrafting.

Photo: ASHJO Photography

With a positive mindset and an obvious love and respect for her horses, Ashleigh is also very modest and is quick to credit the people who have helped her along the way.

‘I've been very lucky with the mentors I've had along the way, many trainers, cattleman and horseman have contributed to the knowledge I have collected and put together over the years but the biggest influence in my training career would be Ron Wall & Jon Templeton, sadly Ronnie has passed now but he taught me so much about the mind and understanding to read a horse. Whereas Tempo has taught me so much in the mechanics and training side of things, and also helped in managing a stronger mindset for the horse training world’

Even though Ashleigh Fairbrother has ridden some amazing horses, ‘Brother Tuff Wood’ being one of them, she is also reluctant to single out any horse as being a standout on her journey.

‘I feel very privileged to have ridden some amazing horses over the years, but also thankful for the tougher horses as they have taught me just as much, I don’t think I could narrow it down to just one, but I can say the ones that mean the most have been the horses I've started and trained myself that have had a successful future.’

But there isn’t a training template for her successful challenge horses either…

‘It's not so much about one exercise in particular, I feel it's most important to bring them along at their pace in your training program and ride them for the horse they are. Set a good foundation keeping the future in mind.’

With a flexible training program, Ashleigh’s horses show to be consistent and happy in their job at every outing.

Photos: Jess Edwards

‘Training is repetitious, so break it up and give them a mental break, take them for a pleasure ride down the road, and allow them to be a horse. If you've done your homework then it's best to have them in a good mind set ready for the shows.’

Ashleigh shows the same empathy when it comes to presenting high quality sale topping horses.

‘I believe in horses for courses, every horse is different so always keep in mind to ride the horse for what he is, they aren't all world beaters, so my goal is to get the best out of each horse.’

When asked to reflect on her career, Ashleigh is quick to single out one event.

‘My most memorable moment in my career is purchasing my property, it’s helped my career and brought my dreams to reality to allow me to work my dream job. But eventually I'd like to get to a stage where I am breeding, training and selling my own horses, also to build our cattle breeder herd and have the best of both worlds.

If I could advise my younger self, I’d say just keep chasing your goals. Whether you’re alone, scared, broke, or tied, just keep going. And learn to be comfortable when you are uncomfortable, you only grow when you are out of your comfort zone.’