Equestrian Author Spotlight: Hope Ellis-Ashburn

In this 21st Equestrian Author Spotlight, I talk with fellow equine author and American Horse Publications member Hope Ellis-Ashburn. Of course, we discuss the best topics on earth — writing, books and horses! You'll love to learn about the inspiration for the cover of her book because she still goes back to the old barn sometimes just to touch the stone walls and stay connected to it. Happy reading!

About Equine Writer Hope Ellis-Ashburn

Equine Author Hope Ellis-Ashburn

Hope Ellis-Ashburn is a freelance writer, author, and blogger. Hope earned her M.S. in Agriculture Education from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville and her B.S. in Animal Science-Horse Science from Middle Tennessee State University. While attending MTSU she was a member of the Horse Judging & Equestrian Teams.  

​A former Extension Agent with UTK holding, among other credentials, a teaching endorsement in agriculture education, she is also currently a classroom teacher. Hope is the author of the book, “The Story of Kimbrook Arabians.” A rider on a variety of breeds since the age of twelve, she has competed in Western, English, halter, dressage, hunter, & jumper classes. Hope currently owns a Half-Arabian mare with which she enjoys farm life, trail riding, & competing locally in halter as well as hunter classes. (Photo Credit: Carissa Ramsdell/ Carissa Lynn Photography)

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Now that you've met Hope, let's gallop into the interview questions!

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What would your dream horse be like? 

I’m really fortunate that I’ve already owned my dream horse. In fact, I’ve owned two separate dream horses. Both had/have supreme temperaments and were/are extremely versatile. For example, my current horse can go from jumping a course of fences in my arena, to herding cattle on our farm, to trail riding, to running on a training track all in the span of a few days time. I really appreciate versatility and willingness in a horse.

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How long have you been an author? 

On an official basis, 2 years though I wrote informally long before this. 

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​Do you prefer ebooks or physical copies? Why? 

I definitely have a preference for physical copies. I love the feel of a good book in my hands. 

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When or where do you get the most writing done?

My day job is a classroom teacher so naturally I do my writing from home and mostly during the summer months.

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How did you get the idea for the cover of the book?

The Story of Kimbrook Arabians by Hope Ellis-Ashburn

I learned so many life lessons inside the walls of that beautiful stone barn, both with horses and with people, which have stayed with me to this day. I still go back sometimes just to touch the stone walls and stay connected to it.

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​How did you research your novel? 

For The Story of Kimbrook Arabians, I used a number of different sources from interviews to books to magazine articles to the Arabian Horse Association itself. The Story of Kimbrook Arabians looks at the historic Arabian horse breeding program of Bill and Joanne Gutknecht built in Rubicon, WI and later rural Giles County, TN through the eyes of a family friend and owner of horses from the program.

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What was your favorite chapter to write and why? 

The chapter about Faax El Din was easily my favorite. He was my heart horse and one of the two dream horses I talked about earlier. 

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Is there anything else you would like to add? 

Although I am currently adding new clients, I most frequently contribute freelance magazine articles to EQUUS magazine. I was also named the winner of the 2016 Zoetis Equine Blogger Challenge. My blog is called Red Horse on a Red Hill. It's a blog for the budget conscious, DIY equestrian.

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Discover more about Hope Ellis-Ashburn!

Amazon Book Link: The Story of Kimbrook Arabians
Blog: www.redhorseonaredhill.com
Facebook: Red Horse on a Red Hill
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/hope-ellis-ashburn-92b897107
Twitter: @HopeAshburn
Instagram: red_horse_on_a_red_hill (Hope Ellis-Ashburn)
Pinterest: Red Horse on a Red Hill

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What a spur jingling interview!

A BIG thank you to Hope Ellis-Ashburn for participating in my Equestrian Author Spotlight series. I really enjoy these interviews. I learn so much from other authors and appreciate how unique each of our writing journeys are. I love that all the authors featured in this series are linked through our creativity, passion for writing, and love of horses. I think it is so important to support each other. I appreciate the support of a fellow author. Thank you for giving me the gift of your time, Hope! ​​​#authorsunite

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Here's why I host an Equestrian Author Spotlight!

I LOVE HORSE BOOKS! If you are an author who writes about horses and would like to be spotlighted let me know. I’d be happy to include you, too. Sharing about fellow horse book authors makes my spurs jingle!

Visit my contact page to fill out a request: 
https://www.carlykadecreative.com/contact.html

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Miss one of my Equestrian Author Spotlights? 

No problem! If you're looking for a horse book to fall in love with. Look no further! Here's twenty spur jingling equine authors to choose from. Just click the buttons below to discover your next favorite horse book.

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Recap: TEN Spur Jingling Author Interviews!

I celebrated the first ten authors featured in
​my Equestrian Author Spotlight series with this recap post!

Click to read the interviews

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The Next TEN: 20 Equine Author Interviews!

I celebrated the second ten authors featured in
my Equestrian Author Spotlight series with this recap post.

Click to read the interviews

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