From now on, when you look at the Fédération Equestre Internationale’s athlete database, Ashley Holzer’s nationality will display: “United States of America.” After maintaining dual citizenship since February 2016, Holzer decided to officially represent America instead of Canada.
She’s resided in the United States for almost 25 years with her husband, U.S. show jumper Rusty Holzer, and children Emma and Harry. With promising horses coming up the ranks under U.S. owners, Ashley felt it was time for a change.
“I’m extremely excited to ride for the United States,” said Ashley, of Wellington, Fla., and New York City. “It’s funny, when I actually got the letter I thought that I might be a little bit like, ‘Oh my God, oh my God, have I done the right thing?’ ”
But in fact, no worries bubbled up.
“I feel very honored to be a part of this incredible country,” she said. “I think what Robert [Dover] and Debbie [McDonald] and the whole American contingent are doing for the sport of dressage is amazing. I feel very excited to be a part of that. I’m honestly thrilled. I was jumping up and down for joy.
“A lot of my friends are calling me like, ‘What are you doing?’ Like, ‘You can get on the Canadian team; you can’t necessarily get on the American team,’ ” she continued. “It’s honestly not even about that. I would love to be on the team. I would love it. I hope that I can make the team. For me personally, I’ve been here a long time. It’s my country. I’ll never go back to Canada. I will always stay here. I feel like it’s the right thing to do.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Ashley competed in the 1988, 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games and helped Canada earn the team bronze medal in Seoul in 1988. She also represented the Canadians in the 1990, 2002 and 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games. With her help, Canada earned the gold medal in the 1991 Pan American Games (Cuba).
“I know that it’s a much more difficult team to get on,” said Ashley, 53. “I’m very aware of that. But on the other hand, if I’m not worthy of getting on the American team, I don’t think I’m really worthy of getting to go to the events.”
With promising mounts like Peacock Ridge LLC’s Sir Caramello (Sir Donnerhall—Katharina I) and Diane Fellows’ Havanna (Hochadel—Riviera), Ashley sees a bright future—and already feels the camaraderie and patriotism from fellow riders.
But there was another small factor in her decision-making process.
“I couldn’t stand one more phone call from Robert Dover saying to me, ‘Did you switch this week? Did you switch this week? Have you switched yet? Have you switched now? And what about today?’ joked Ashley. “He’s such a gem. When he was the coach for Canada that one special year, I did the best that I’ve ever done in my life. So I also don’t forget that.”
