Equestrian News
Written by Lori Anthon
nna Wells Sharp is no typical horse show mom. She doesn’t stand at the fence or sit in the stands biting her nails as she watches her children compete for coveted ribbons and medal points. Instead she’s a show mom that manages to compete in high level AA and AAA horse shows in between feedings, diaper changes and play time. A long time Bluffton resident, Anna has been in the horse show world since she was a small child; she’s a great competitor with determination and a drive for excellence that pays off time and time again. Today, the mother of two wonderful boys Wells (2 1⁄2 years) and Taylor (5 months) competes in the Amateur Hunter 18-35 division.
The very petite Anna gave birth to the 8 pound 2 ounce baby Taylor on February 7th of this year; less than a month later she was riding again. Just 2 1⁄2 months after giving birth, Anna decided to take her gorgeous 8 year old Sella-français chestnut mare, “Kiss Me” (Maria), to Aiken for the PSJ Spring Classic AA show. Even though it would be the first time actually jumping since the baby was born, Anna jumped right in, head first. Well, with husband, Dr. Cal Sharp, good friend Katirn, and the boys in tow, Anna and Maria competed in five classes garnering the Overall Champion in the Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35 division. To be able to focus on her riding and compete as she does while still planning feedings and play time around riding classes is no small feat.
Anna proves that she is not a typical show mom, not at all. And by the way, if you ask Anna how she did at any particular show, her response is always that Maria (“Kiss Me”) or Dion (“Prime Time”) did great! Anna, best of luck to you as you continue on the horse show circuit and most of all as you and Cal raise your two sweet boys.
In other equestrian news, Rose Dhu Creek Equestrian Center welcomed a beautiful Fresian filly on June 11th. Proud and protective mama, “Cleo van het Binnenveld“ (C.C.), delivered the as yet unnamed foal a couple of weeks early. Owner, Linda Keller, was in Europe at the time and looks forward to meeting and naming her upon her return. Until then, the folks at Rose Dhu are mostly calling her “Baby C.C.”
Natural Horseman, James Cooler, brings his “Communication without Boundaries” clinic back to Rose Dhu Creek on July 20th -22nd. There will be a free introductory seminar Friday evening at 6 PM. The clinic begins Saturday morning at 9AM. Auditors are welcome. Please call James at 843-227-2120, RDCEC at 815-7878 or logon to rdcec.com
If you have news about local equestrians or equestrian related events that you would like to share in “Pony Tales”, please email lori@rosedhucreek.com.
