I grew up in a non-horsey family in the San Francisco Bay Area, determined to be a part of the hunter/jumper world. I began taking lessons at the age five, which thanks to my supportive family and amazing coaches, led me to have a wonderful and successful junior career in the hunters, jumpers, and equitation.

While receiving my college degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Spanish, I competed on the intercollegiate equestrian team for Oregon State University. After which, I promptly returned to training full-time as an assistant trainer. I did this for a few years until my amazing husband and I were able to open our own training barn. There, I had an unfortunate fall that left me temporarily paralyzed in my lower body and ultimately rethinking my career long-term. Though I still ride, jump, and would eventually love to compete again, I do so now on my own terms, with my own horses. I have an absolute super-star of a gelding named Wilbur, who is quirky and scopey and very much helps keep me connected to the sport that I love so dearly.

After my fall I went through a few cycles of deciding what exactly I wanted to do, how I could keep riding, and how I could remain integrated with the sport. Now, I should note that my great-grandfather and grandfather we’re both famous American West artists and sculptors, who’s work can be found all over the world. Art is something that I’ve always done, but never fully appreciated as a full time career. That all changed at the start of 2022. I started Ashley Tolton Art, I became a full-time artist, I honed my skills, and I really leaned into all the aspects that I loved and missed so much about the equestrian lifestyle. That is the heart and soul of Ashley Tolton Art, an equestrian focused practice that celebrates the beauty and tradition found within the sport. Art pieces that capture the partnerships, the small and meaningful moments, as well as the grandeur triumphs, things that as a professional rider myself, I experienced intimately on a daily basis.

Whether you're commissioning a portrait or selecting a limited edition print, my goal is to create meaningful work that reflects the refined traditions of the equestrian world. Each painting is created with intention, using high-quality, archival materials and my style combines classic techniques with a contemporary sensibility, capturing not only the physical presence of the horse, but also their individual characters, in an elegant and sophisticated manner.

Thank you for being part of this journey—and for honoring the horse through art.

Ashley