Ashkatah was foaled on May 9, 1997 in Williams, Oregon. He has duel registry as "Can Do It To it"; APHA (#381446)/PtHA(#91875). His sire is "Can Do Full Color" (APHA #235800) who is out of "California Skip" (AtHA #65826) and "Sunny Can Do" (APHA #159054). His dam is "Fames Sweet Pea" (AQHA #2302295) who is out of "Fame and Glory" (AQHA #1487914) and "Oto Sweet" (AQHA #1000369).

Click here to see Ashkatah's duel registry--->pdf link

Ashkatah is an American Paint Horse with American Quarter Horse foundation. He stands tall at 15.3.  Long before he came to Slywynk Farm he was  completed in  barrel racing, 4H and Dressage.  He has a precocious nature but under saddle he is a steady, reliable mount.   He is competent in both English and Western Pleasure trail riding.  He has a very expressive and inquisitive face and is a beauty to behold. 

Ashkatah was being retired from the rigors of a busy life and was acquired for the sole purpose of being Wendy's "therapy horse".  After sustaining 2 life changing accidents involving spinal cord injury, she spent almost 20 years away from full size horses.  She was told she's never ride again.  But she never lost faith that one day she would have a full size horse of her own  and would indeed ride again.

Ashkatah was found on Wendy's birthday in 2008.  It was love at first sight!  He was delivered the next day and was larger than life as he stepped off the truck!  Suddenly she had her own horse and he was standing right there in her barn and he was HUGE! 

She had him evaluated by a Western Pleasure expert.  He was rated as being an "8", or just too "hot" for her use as a therapy horse.   Discouraged, she avoided riding him for a whole year.  But it was during this time that Ashkatah and Wendy  developed their bond, from the ground up.

Then, in May 2009, Wendy met Marianne Guillaume who answered an ad for boarding at Slywynk Farm.   Marianne was invited to ride Ashkatah with an advance warning about his "hot" spirit.   She took off with him and they rode like the wind together in perfect harmony! She was breathless when she dismounted and asked "Why are you not riding this horse?  He is magnificent!" She told Wendy there was absolutely nothing to fear from Ashkatah.  He was completely trained and knew everything.  She assured her that she could ride him with confidence!

Within weeks, with loving encouragement from Marianne, Wendy finally got on Ashkatah's back.  Slowly but surely, as the long weeks of summer eased into the shorter but cool and colorful fall, Wendy and Marianne rode together twice a week.  Not only did Wendy and Ashkatah benefit from the exercise, her friendship with Marianne was being forged.

As a therapy horse,  Ashkatah is spirited but careful with his riders.  He has inspired Wendy in many ways, from helping her overcome the crippling fear of riding to her endless use of Ashkatah for her artwork and photography.  He has helped her get past the fear of heights (necessary when riding a 15.3 horse!) and continues to give her lost confidence back with every ride.    Her strength improves  as her confidence and commitment to Ashkatah continues to melt her fears away.

Marianne has now found her dream horse and will be boarding at a different farm.  It is with a very heavy heart that I have to say good-bye to such a wonderful friend and riding companion.  I do hope we'll remain friends and see each other on occasion but I am certain she will be spending as much time as possible with her new gelding.