Ashbane always wanted to be a fighter, but he was crippled in a house fire. This turned out to be for the best, as his perceptiveness, motivational speaking, and stern sense of fairness made him into a fine Lord for Broch Boardwall. He may not get out much, but Ashbane has dedicated his life to being a father to the ponies of his broch. That includes the criminals exiled into his care.
 
His grandmother great-grandmother was a horse. That makes him the Equestrian equivalent of a half-giant, I guess?