Ashwood Farm (785)341-1789

Ashwood Farm, Est. 2001
Ashwood Farm was started in May 2001 by Brad and Mary Ann Funk. Formerly a lush 40 acre tract of brome grass, the Ashwood facility now supports horses and ponies used for lessons, pleasure and competition. Designed as a teaching, training and sales facility for hunters, jumpers, and equitation, Ashwood provides an atmospere which promotes learning in addition to first rate horse care and riding. A large outdoor riding arena surfaced with all weather footing creates a place for riding year round. The gently rolling turf field allows for advanced conditioning and training of our horse and human athletes. Plans for an indoor arena, additional stalls, lounge and office areas are under way.   A new state of the art 9 stall barn with expanded office, restrooms, laundry, washstalls, and tack area was recently constructed and has been operational since September 2005.  Thank you to D.J. Carpenter Building Systems for a great job on our barn.  It was awarded "Equine Stable Building of the Year" by Wick Buildings in 2005.  The care we take in every detail demonstrates our commitment to excellence in teaching horsemanship to our customers and giving the horses at Ashwood the very best environment possible. 

At right, see a portion of our large outdoor arena with all weather footing
(150' x 300')

Mary Ann Thomas Funk, Owner/Trainer

Mary Ann Thomas  Funk grew up and started her horse career in her hometown of Manhattan, Kansas.  Her horse obsession started at age 3, and she had her first horse at age 8.  Mary Ann rode competitively on a local level first, then nationally.  Under the tutelage of the late Orlando "Orley" DeHoyos of Houston, Texas, Mary Ann garnered national recognition in the pony and junior ranks in the mid and late 1980s.  While in college at Kansas State University, she rode as an amateur.  After becoming a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Golden Key National Honor Society, Mary Ann graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelors degree in Political Science and English Literature.  At this point, she decided to make horses her career, turning professional in 1995.  Since then, Mary Ann has taught students who ride for pleasure and those who compete locally, regionally and nationally.  She has had students gain recognition at Pony Finals, Devon and Indoors.  Mary Ann has also found and started numerous nationally known horses and ponies such as Liseter Clever Star,  Rockport, Hit the Spot, Redwall and Sorcerer's Stone.  Now, she is focused on importing, training, showing and selling European warmbloods.  Click here to contact Mary Ann by email.

Luis Vasques, Head Groom  

Luis Vasques has worked with Mary Ann's horses since 1986, first under the guidance of Orley DeHoyos, and then directly for Mary Ann starting in 1995.  Luis has worked as a professional groom since age 13, giving him 30+ years as a horse professional.  He takes pride in the health and well being of each horse at Ashwood, and it is due to his diligence our horses our so well managed.  Luis notices every nuance of a horse's behavior and attitude.  His observations about the horses in the barn and paddock are an essential part of our training program in the arena.  Watch Luis in action one day, and you will see an individual truly loving his work.

Brad Funk, Business Manager

Brad Funk, CPA, manages the financial aspects of Ashwood Farm.  He earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Kansas State University in Accounting.  Brad runs his own firm, Funk and Associates, while also managing business at Ashwood and even occasionally driving the horses to a show during the year or stopping in to watch his daughters and wife compete.