DANA ASCHINGER

Owner & Director of Farm Operations

I have grown up with horses since I was a young girl. When I was 6 years old my father asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up.  My response was, “I want to have a horse farm”.  Horses were my first love…my first passion.  Owning a horse farm took a few years longer than what I hoped because I decided at the age of 16 to follow my other passion…flying.  I became a professional pilot and, after 28 years of flying, I retired as a DC-9 Captain from Airborne Express.

My passion for horses never ceased during my flying years and, in 1989, my late husband, Gerry Aschinger, and I purchased our first farm together where we stood a stallion and owned a couple broodmares.  In 2002 we moved to Kentucky and purchased the land that is now home to War Horse Place Farm.  

War Horse Place has become known for its vibrant broodmare operation but the early years were tough. Fortunately, our hard work paid off and we grew the initial 90 acre operation into 180 acres where we now manage 60 mares along with their weanlings and yearlings.  Although we are built on the broodmare operation, we do have a complete stallion barn and breeding shed where we currently stand a stallion.  I am proud of what we have built and truly believe that our improvements and commitment over the years have brought to life one of the most beautiful and complete thoroughbred facilities in the area.

Another aspect of my life that has always been a driving factor is my innate competitive nature.  I love the rush that competing gives me.  The combination of my love for horses and my competitive nature led me to the game of polo.  I began playing in the early 90’s and thoroughly enjoyed the sport for over 25 years.  It provided me some of my greatest memories while enabling me to see incredible places and meet amazing people.

Most people work their whole life trying to realize the dream they are pursuing.  It is safe to say that I am truly blessed for I have had the chance to chase…and realize…two dreams in my life.  Although my flying days may be over, I still feel like I am soaring above the clouds as owner of War Horse Place.