The Pollacks
Family Fun and Great Horses

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By Sarah Gee
© Voice, April 2005

With the love, support, and encouragement of her family, 11-year-old Ashley Diamond Pollack of Saratoga, California, has become one of the most promising youth riders in the walking horse industry. She began riding, with the help of her family, when she was just weeks old and has since blossomed into a true all-around horsewoman. Whether she’s showing high powered performance show horses or versatile flat-shod contenders; riding in the ring, on the trail, or along the beach – Ashley Diamond Pollack is happiest on the back of a Tennessee Walking Horse.

Like most youngsters in our industry, Ashley first hit the show ring in the lead line class. Then, in 2002, under the direction of trainer Jimmy Norris, she made her solo show ring debut at the International. She also made her first victory pass. Countless blue ribbon appearances followed culminating in a 2004 World Championship aboard Park Pleasure talent Mr. Chili Pepper. Chili holds a very special place in Ashley’s heart. In addition to being her first World Champion, he is an extremely versatile horse, having found show ring success in both English and Western divisions. He is also Ashley’s trail horse of choice and, many years ago, he was her leadline pony. For Ashley to win her very first World Championship aboard Chili was a dream come true. However, by no means is Chili Ashley’s only show ring competitor. She has found great acclaim aboard a number of other horses including Show Pleasure power Pusharama and 11 & Under challenger Roll With The Tide. The newest addition to her show string is 14-time WC Dawn’s Walking Blue’s first colt, walking pony contender Walking For Dollars.

So, how did Ashley come to be so immersed in the world of walking horses? Well, it’s a family affair. The Pollacks have been involved in walking horses for over thirty years. Ashley’s mom, Patti, aunt, Sherri, and grandparents, Robert and Wanda, are all part of the fabric that is the walking horse industry. They are a family that delight’s in everything our great breed has to offer.

The Pollack stable, dubbed Pollack’s Silver Spur Ranch, includes every type of walking horse - from breeding stock to trusty trail horse to show horse. Their show string includes world or world grand champions from just about every division – lite shod up through padded performance. Not only has the family found success showing in numerous divisions in both California and Tennessee, they are also dedicated to breeding and raising quality walking horses, and they trail ride as often as they can.

Of course it’s show horses that draw the most attention and the Pollack’s have had some talented ones. Flat shod contenders that have shown under the Pollack banner include multi-world titled Pusher’s Benny Boy, Stripper’s Finale, Peddler’s Party Time, and Expressive Gold. Their padded performance string has included such legendary champions as Dawn’s Walking Blue, Final’s Eb Tide, Pride’s Mist Of Gold, Delight Of Wanda, and Spring Mystery.

Based on the above history, it’s not surprising that the family’s 2005 string holds phenomenal promise. Their flat-shod slate boasts three proven winners – Mr. Chili Pepper, Our Mr. Hollywood, and Gen’s Major Coin. Add to that five newcomers with great potential, Ben A Wanda, I’m Major Cash, Benny’s Bad Boy, Our Hollywood Star, and Hollywood Babe, and you have one heck of a string – and that’s only the flat-shod show horses. The Pollack’s padded performance string boasts show ring favorites Ebony’s Diamond Cutter, The Concealed Weapon, Walking For Dollars, Jose’s Feliciano, Jose’s Rare Gold Coin, Down Under, Pusharama, Final’s Eb Tide, and Adrenaliine. With a stable like that, blue ribbons pretty much have to be coming their way.

The breeding operation at Pollack’s Silver Spur Ranch is also developing quite the reputation. They currently stand two successful stallions – multi WGC Pusher’s Benny Boy and multi titled Our Mr. Hollywood. Both Ben A Wanda and Benny’s Bad Boy are by Pusher’s Benny Boy while Our Hollywood Star and Hollywood Babe are from the first crop of foals sired by Our Mr. Hollywood. Both stallions have experienced great success in the breeding barn and both are quite popular among mare owners. Benny is well established as a top sire and Our Mr. Hollywood is rapidly gaining popularity due to his ability to pass on his striking good looks, excellent conformation and gait, and dependable, friendly disposition.

The Pollacks truly are what this great industry is all about – bringing families together through the love and enjoyment of great horses. No doubt great things await this remarkable family and their horses as the 2005 show season gets underway.