Jill MedingerAshley Herman, the visionary director and owner of Sonoma Horse Park, has created more than just a premier equestrian venue—she has fostered a space where philanthropy and passion for horses come together. As the home of Giant Steps Therapeutic Riding, Sonoma Horse Park reflects Ashley’s deep commitment to giving back, combining her love for the sport with a dedication to improving lives through equine-assisted therapy.
Ashley, a dedicated equestrian throughout her youth, spent countless weekends traveling with her sister, who also competed, and their supportive parents to hunter-jumper competitions across California and nationwide. Though often coming home empty-handed, Ashley remembers, her persistence paid off when she won the Junior Hunter Finals at Madison Square Garden in 1997 and was champion at Washington, Harrisburg, and New
York in 1998, marking the pinnacle of her junior riding career.
Ashley took a 10-year break from riding to attend the American University of Paris and work in events at Goldman Sachs in New York City. During that time, her father purchased and began expanding the Sonoma Horse Park into a boarding facility. In 2009, after a tiring and impressive career, Ashley’s father suggested she return home to build and run the park. So, with a move back across the country to San Francisco, Ashley took on the role of Director and Manager of Sonoma Horse Park, and their first show season began in 2010. Ashley reminisces, “Like anything in life, it is infinitely harder and more expensive than we ever dreamed, but we did it.”
Today, Sonoma Horse Park thrives as a premier boarding and show venue and home to programs like Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center. Ashley stepped in in 2009 when Giant Steps faced losing major grants. She dedicated a week of the park’s inaugural show season to fundraising for the center. With her event-planning expertise, Ashley turned it into a lively charity event that exceeded expectations. “We made it a party, with fundraising events every night, and couldn’t believe the support,” she recalls. The event raised Giant Steps’ entire operating budget, and each year it grew bigger. In 2012, Gucci, trusting Ashley to uphold its brand integrity, partnered with the Giant Steps Charity Classic after launching its equestrian line. “The Giant Steps Charity Classic is the best show we do. It’s Sonoma Horse Park at its finest,” adds Ashley.
“Giant Steps works with people who’ve been dealt some of the toughest hands in life. It’s amazing what they do for their riders and families,” Ashley says. She notes how the horse park community fully supports Giant Steps’ mission and gets behind their initiatives with tremendous support. Uniquely located at the entrance of Sonoma Horse Park, the center receives unparalleled visibility and integration into the horse park community.
Ashley cherishes integrating Giant Steps riders into the charity classic, calling those moments some of her favorites. She describes a Giant Steps rider singing the national anthem. The singer, who has cerebral palsy, has been singing at the show since she was 5 years old. “Watching her sing so fearlessly is so inspiring and brings me to tears. It’s my favorite part of the horse show,” admits Ashley.
Ashley previously served as a Giant Steps board member and remains actively involved, helping the organization raise awareness and diversify its funding. Ashley beams with pride as she reflects on the impact of Giant Steps and the shows at Sonoma Horse Park. She notes, “We strive to make every show feel special, and Giant Steps will always be the most meaningful thing we do.”