We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hope Ellis-Ashburn. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hope below.

Alright, Hope thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

In 2015 I wrote and submitted a short essay for EQUUS magazine’s EQ Back Page Story department about my experiences returning to the horse show ring after a five-year absence. Much to my surprise, the story was picked up by the magazine and published. After that, I never looked back.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

By day, I’m a high school agriculture and business education teacher. During all other waking hours, I’m a part-time writer and author, equestrian, and farmer. This school year will be the start of my twenty-sixth year in education. I started writing on a part-time basis in 2015. So far, I’ve been published over one hundred times, with my work having appeared in thirteen publications. I have written three books that include my memoir, Always Hope: How Dairy Cows and Arabian Horses Inspired Grit in a Young Girl’s Life (Best Memoir at the 2019 EQUUS Film & Arts Festival), Kimbrook Arabians: How an Unlikely Midwestern Couple Influenced an Ancient Breed (Reserve Champion in Equine History at the 2021 EQUUS Film & Arts Festival), and my latest release, a riding diary titled New Horse Journal.
I’m also a lifelong equestrian and enjoy riding in several different disciplines.
As well, I’m a lifelong farmer, having been raised on a dairy farm and now farming alongside my husband on our Angus cow-calf beef operation. Our farm is a Tennessee Century Farm, and in 2024, it will have been farmed by the Ashburn family for 200 years!
Although I have not always written professionally, writing is something that has always come naturally to me and a skill that I have made use of in almost every career that I have had. Through my freelance writing business, Red Horse on a Red Hill Communications, I provide content to agriculture and equestrian-themed publications. I think what sets me apart is the authenticity of my work. Agriculture has been a part of my life from the very beginning.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think always having my work submitted early or on time is a huge part of my reputation. My clients do not have to worry about working around late submissions. As well, I make it a point to submit work that is complete in every way. From photos to complimentary copy requests, everything is laid out in such a manner that it is easy to identify and find. This is critical in helping clients to meet their deadlines and needs.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I really love to write, and whether it is my books or my magazine articles, I hope to always produce work that is beneficial to my readers. Personally, writing is very therapeutic. I enjoy getting lost in the creative process of writing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://redhorseonaredhill.pubsitepro.com/
• Instagram: red_horse_on_a_red_hill
• Facebook: Red Horse on a Red Hill
• Linkedin: Hope Ellis-Ashburn

Image Credits
Carissa Ramsdell of Carissa Lynn Photography