Pivo Meets: Laine Ashker — Grand Prix Dressage and Five Star Event Rider.
Welcome to Pivo Meets, a series where we get real and chatty with the faces of Pivo. This June, we speak with Laine Ashker, Grand Prix Dressage and Five Star Event Rider.
Laine is a distinguished equestrian excelling in both eventing and dressage. Raised in Sacramento, her passion for horses was nurtured early on, leading her to achieve milestones like representing the U.S. at the Hong Kong Olympic Test Event and competing at prestigious events like Blenheim CCI4* and Burghley CCI5*. In dressage, Laine reached the Grand Prix level, earning her USDF Gold Medal and securing other victories. She continues to train and compete, fostering strong partnerships with her horses through her expertise and dedication.
Here’s a look into her successful journey, winning competitions, how Pivo has helped her with training and everything that she has to share with the world.
What first ignited your passion for horse riding, and how did you decide to make it a career?
I was pretty much born into the sport. My mom, Valerie Ashker, is an incredible horsewoman, and I spent most of my childhood on horseback. What started as a deep love for horses quickly turned into an obsession with the discipline, the challenge, and the connection you build with each ride. Turning it into a career felt less like a choice and more like answering a calling — it was always going to be horses.
Were there any mentors or specific riders who inspired your approach to eventing and dressage?
Absolutely. My mom was my first and most enduring mentor — she’s tough, passionate, and taught me to always put the horse first. Watching other top riders influenced the finesse and feel I aim to bring to my eventing and pure dressage work. I’ve always respected riders who grind it out — who do the hard work behind the scenes. That’s the energy I try to bring every day.
Can you share a standout moment or achievement in your career so far, and why it was meaningful to you?
Finishing at my first Burghley Three-Day Event held in the UK and also known as one of the most challenging 5* in the world on my cheap, off-the-track Thoroughbred, Anthony Patch — a horse I brought up myself — was a dream realized. There’s something incredibly special about developing a horse from the start and proving that hard work can take you to the top, even without a six-figure budget.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced in eventing and dressage, and how did you overcome them?
There’s no shortage of setbacks in this sport — injuries, financial hurdles, and of course, the mental pressure. But I’ve learned to lean into resilience. I’m not afraid to work hard, get dirty, or fail forward. The horses keep you honest — they don’t care about your ego, only your effort and consistency. At the end of the day, it’s about your horse and the partnership you build together.
When and how did you first hear about Pivo, and what made you decide to give it a try?
I first heard about Pivo from fellow riders who were raving about how easy it was to film themselves riding — no camera crew needed. I gave it a shot, and honestly, I was hooked. As someone who’s is extremely hands-on with training and education, being able to review footage on the spot has changed the game for me.
How would you describe your training style, and what key principles guide you when working with horses? How has Pivo transformed your training?
My training style is classical. I believe in a soft hand, a strong core, and a sharp brain. Training horses with consistentcy and kindness and most importantly, patience. Planning your next decision prior to making it, even as simple as when your next circle will be. Pivo lets me see the small stuff — the straightness (or lack thereof), the rhythm shifts — and make adjustments in real time. It’s like having an honest mirror and a coach on standby.
What features of Pivo do you find the most helpful for your training, whether in dressage, eventing, or just day-to-day rides?
The tracking is great. It keeps me in frame, even when I’m working on extended canter across the diagonal or jumping a full course. I love the video feedback, and the fact that I can easily share clips with my coaches or students is a huge bonus. It’s a tool that actually works as hard as equestrians do.
Could you give an example of a specific riding challenge or technique you managed to improve with Pivo’s tracking and video feedback?
I use my pivo in every dressage lesson (whether it’s in person or virtual) I have with Jacqueline Brooks. That way I am able to review the footage and send it to my owners. Pivo helped tremendously when working on developing Zeppelins’ changes and collection.
Looking ahead, where do you see your career heading in eventing and dressage? Any big goals or projects on the horizon?
Always dreaming bigger. I want to keep producing horses to the top-level and keep pushing into upper-level dressage and eventing. I’m also growing my coaching and online education presence. In coaching the next generation of riders I always remind my students, “reach for the stars, all five of them,” and I live by that.
What advice would you give to younger riders or those just starting in eventing or dressage, especially regarding embracing new technology like Pivo?
Don’t be afraid to be a student of the sport. Use every tool available — especially the ones that help you train smarter. Pivo lets you take control of your own development, even when you’re riding solo. And trust me — reviewing your rides on video is humbling, but it’s also where real growth happens.
Save 10% when you shop Pivo with Lainey. Use discount code LAINEASHKER
Connect with Laine Ashker – https://www.laineashkereventinganddressage.com/
Read More: Top 5 Things You Didn’t Know Pivo Could Do
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