Meet the Creators - Ashley Gallagher

For this instalment of our Meet the Creators series, we’re heading to Oxfordshire to meet Ashley Gallagher. A hands-on countryman whose life revolves around farming, fabrication, and, above all, working dogs.

Raised on the edge of farm life but never far from it, Ashley spent his early years grafting wherever he could. That instinct to build, fix, and get stuck in has followed him ever since. From studying agriculture to developing practical engineering and fabrication skills, his path has always been shaped by doing rather than talking.

At the centre of it all sits Ballyash Kennels. Ashley’s breeding and training setup, where time, patience, and a genuine understanding of working dogs come together. Whether it’s training young dogs, preparing them for the field, or continuing to develop his own team, it’s clear this isn’t just a hobby. It’s a craft. Built on consistency, respect for the dogs, and a real passion for seeing them work at their best.

Q. Could you tell us a little about yourself, what you do, and where you’re based?


A. Country boy raised against the grain. Grew up in the town not directly on a farm. Had hobbies such as rugby as a lad but as I got older, I only ever really wanted to farm. Spent as much time on my families farms mucking in and helping out wherever I could. Another interest which went along side farming which was design, building and fabricating of whatever I could draw up or whatever needed repairs on farm.

Went to AG uni where I learnt more skills and found a passion for the countryside and the activities associated such as clay and game shooting which brought me into the world of working dogs. Eventually settling where I am now in Oxfordshire where I can do almost everything I’ve wanted to do but it’s definitely a balancing act. 


Q. What does a typical day in your life look like? From first brew to last light. 

A. First point of call. Coffee to start the day right. Let the dogs out and we all stretch our legs. Then it’s off to the farm to see whatever the day holds for me. Come the evening, it’s back home to train dogs, work on projects and then chill out with my lovely other half. 

Q. What draws you to the country lifestyle? What is it about rural life that keeps pulling you back outdoors?

A. It’s all about the seasons. During the winter it’s get jobs done then if you’re lucky to get onto a shoot day, work the dogs and bring home food for the freezer, also enjoying the social side of things with like minded folks finished off with some food and drink in a pub near a roaring fire. Come the summer it’s long stretches in the evenings, training dogs, having a laugh around the fire pit with friends whenever possible. 
 


Q. What’s your favourite countryside activity? If you had a free afternoon, how would you spend it?

A. It’s difficult to narrow down but it’s being busy with friends either clay shooting or a day on the pigeons or afternoons group sessions with the dogs.

Q. What’s one countryside ritual you couldn’t imagine giving up? Morning walks, feeding animals, lighting the stove…

A. Evening dog walks that end up with a cold beer and a dog chilling by your feet to end the day.

Q. What does a good day outdoors give you that nothing else can?

A. A day outdoors is a day enjoyed to the full. Whether it’s being around friends or just out with your best dog. 


Q. How did you first come to work with Country Content?
 How did you first cross paths with Country Content, and what made it click?

A. Many, many years ago now Chloe and I chatted over social media about dogs and the countryside. It ended up I was brought to one of her content days after that. We always have a laugh and she consistently tries to take my dog Mac home with her where she spoils him with treats and the sofa life. 
 


Q. What has been your favourite part of the photoshoot day experience with Country Content? What’s been your standout moment on a shoot day with Country Content so far?

A. The social aspect of it is great for me.  It’s a day off the farm. Seeing friends, making new ones, trying new clothes or products out and creating some fantastic memories. Chloe and the team have always been able to capture the photo in a great way. Some of the best ones have been recreating the glorious 12th and more recently the new dog training attire that’s just been released. 
 


Q. What’s been your funniest or most unexpected moment on a photoshoot day?
 Funniest, messiest, or most unexpected thing that’s happened on a shoot?


A. Usually I’m always running late to a photoshoot after feeding early on the farm. There was the Newforest day at Bisbrooke hall where we running late. Let Chloe know and she said it was fine they’d start anyways. Arrived about an hour late, got out, said hello to everyone and then there was a moment where Chloe said. Can you just let your dogs out as that all we’ve been waiting for is to get your dogs in the shot. We’ve just been standing for 30 mins waiting as we needed a dog, not you to get here 🤣😅 turns out. She just wanted dogs of various ages and not me at all 🤣 
 

Q. Which New Forest Clothing pieces have been your favourites to wear on a photoshoot day, and why did they work so well? 

A. I love wearing my 1/4 zip Knightwood fleece. It’s comfortable and looks great. I have used the skeet vest every time I’ve gone to the clay ground with it, free to move around when shooting and holds plenty of cartridges. The performance field coat is perfect for days picking up when the weather is not on your side.

Q. And which New Forest Clothing piece has been your favourite all round?
 If you had to pick one New Forest Clothing piece as your all-round favourite, what would it be?

A. The new Knightwood 1/4 zip. I use it most days and even get told off if I go near the farm with it.

Q. Out of your wardrobe, are there any “must-have” pieces you always wear on a day-to-day? What would you reach for first if you had to pack light?


A. Packing light usually means. A shirt, jeans, walking trousers, jumper and then my country sport jacket. 


Quick Fire – No Overthinking!

Q. Tea or Coffee to fuel the day.
A. Coffee. 
 

Q. Countryside Companion? Dogs or Horses
A. Dogs.

Q. Summer Sunsets or Frosty Mornings
A. Summer sunsets. 


Q. Muddy wellies or polished leather boots? 
A. Muddy wellies. 


Q. Planned route or follow the trail? 
A. Planned route until it fails. Then follow the trail. 


Q. Solo wander or shared adventure? 
A. Shared are always more fun. 
 


Q. What’s next?
 What projects, places, or plans are on your horizon this year?

A. Projects. Custom dog trailer. Charity trailer build. Get our HQ finished to a high standard. Hopefully get a bit of travelling in, more Scotland runs. Possibly a South Africa trip soon enough too.

Q. Follow the journey
 Where can people find you online and keep up with your work?

A. For me it’s @ashley.gallagher1995 on Instagram For the dogs it’s @ballyash_kennels on Instagram Trying to produce a BallyashBuilds page also to solely be highlights to projects and products custom built.

Q. And Finally, What advice would you give to someone craving a more outdoors led life?

Get out there. Whether it’s a dog walk in the mornings or a trip to Scotland to roam the hills and hopefully spot the fantastic wildlife. Everyday is another chance to get out in nature. 

Ashley's Gallery

Ashley’s world is one where hard work and enjoyment sit side by side. Farming, building, and training dogs all feeding into a lifestyle that feels purposeful and properly lived. Through Ballyash Kennels, he’s created something that reflects that mindset perfectly. Dogs that are not only well-bred, but well-trained, capable, and ready for the realities of the field.

It’s a life built around routine, trust, and the bond between handler and dog. Whether it’s a day shooting, training sessions with friends, or simply unwinding after hours on the farm, the dogs are always at the heart of it. 

His go-to New Forest Clothing pieces follow the same principles. Practical, reliable, and ready for long days outdoors. The Knightwood 1/4 zip fleece rarely leaves his side, while the skeet vest and performance field coat come into their own when it’s time to work. Clothing that keeps up, without getting in the way.

You can follow Ashley’s journey, along with his dogs and ongoing projects, over on Instagram at @ashley.gallagher1995 and @ballyashkennels. A proper glimpse into life on the ground, where dogs, work, and countryside living all come together.

If you’re inspired by their story and would love to experience a Country Content Shoot Day yourself, keep an eye on Country Content on Instagram. They regularly share opportunities to apply for upcoming shoots — the perfect way to get involved, meet like-minded people, and be part of something creative and memorable.

Stay tuned for the next instalment, where we’ll be introducing another fantastic creator from the Country Content community.