The Battle Ground High School equestrian team honored Ashlynn Slechta by wearing blue ribbons — Slechta’s favorite color — in their final meet of the regular season. Slechta was not able to compete with the team this season due to heavy metal poisoning found in her bloodstream.
Ashlynn Slechta of Battle Ground had been looking forward to her freshman year on the equestrian team at the beginning of the season.
Just before the season began, she came down with what she thought was a virus. She didn’t feel well. Her energy was low. Doctors eventually diagnosed Slechta with heavy metal poisoning in her bloodstream with high levels of iron, mercury and other toxins.
Slechta was unable to compete the entire season.
“It was really hard. I wanted to stick it out, but my parents just said no,” Slechta said.
The risk of an accident while performing made the sport too risky.
Today Slechta is still undergoing detox and is day-to-day in her level of energy. She does believe she is on the mend.
The Battle Ground team decided to honor Slechta in their final regular season meet at the end of last month. They all wore blue ribbons — Slechta’s favorite color — and dedicated their success at the meet to her.
“It’s sad when you have an athlete that’s not able to participate like that,” said team advisor Rebecca Waddell.
Slechta became “really emotional” when she learned her teammates had dedicated their efforts to her.
“It was really awesome and a huge blessing,” Slechta said. “They’ve been so understanding.”
After her recovery, Slechta said she plans to ride again and can’t wait to rejoin the team next year.
