Sharon White and Severn Sky. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Sharon White is a perennial fan favorite rider, always eye catching in her orange cross country colors. Sharon’s also as friendly as they come, and she kindly took a few minutes while she made the drive down south to chat with EN. Here are our burning questions for Sharon. Go Orange!
EN: What would you consider to be the biggest achievement in your career so far?
Sharon: The one I will always say is my very first Advanced event. Just because it was my first Advanced and it was at Pine Top a long time ago on Ready About, who was my first Advanced horse and she was self made. She was pretty atrocious! I feel like you stand no chance of making your first Advanced horse perfect — she was fabulous, though, and it will always stand out to me.
EN: What are your big career goals?
Sharon: I would like to get better and better at producing my horses and my riding and making my horses as good as they can possibly be. It’s definitley a day by day process, and I enjoy the day by day. I’m finally not offended by my own riding!
EN: What horse, past or present, would you like to take a spin on?
Sharon: That’s hard. Snowman – the rescue horse. I love his story. Touch of Class is another one, she always looked amazing. That said, though, I wouldn’t give up the ride on any of my horses for them!
EN: What would you be doing if you weren’t a professional event rider?
Sharon: I would do something that made me feel like I gave back more. But I couldn’t tell you what that would be — maybe Peace Corps or being a teacher, something along those lines.
EN: What’s the best piece of advice that you could give to a student who is about to tackle their first event?
Sharon: It’s all going to be ok! It’s the most fun sport there is. I asked one of my students that actual question yesterday, and that’s exactly what she said I tell her.
EN: Do you have any pre-cross country rituals?
Sharon: I meditate a little bit and just have a little quiet time. I think my horses appreciate that because I’m kind of type A!
EN: Describe yourself in one word.
Sharon: I think it changes daily! Determined.
EN: When you look for a new horse for yourself, what do you look for first?
Sharon: I want one that I like looking at, with a kind eye. This is an animal that you will spend a large amount of time with, so that initial impression has to be what you want. They have to be intelligent and kind. And of course, then the basics: good conformation, correct gaits, proper size. It’s such a guessing game, but you have to go with the things that matter — the basics. Don’t buy a problem.
Sharon: Definitely the relationship that you have with the horses; it really is a special and unique relationship. There’s so many highs and lows, so those horses and people who go through those with you — there is nothing like that in the world.
EN: What prompted you to spring for orange as your signature color?
Sharon: It’s a happy color!
EN: What’s your favorite thing about C4?
Sharon: I love the fact that they give back and that you can choose your cause. That’s all we can do in life. We’re lucky enough to do horses for our livelihood, and help people along the way enjoy what we do, and C4 helps us do that. They’re fun and original. It’s such good karma all around! Wearing C4 puts a smile on your face just like being around the horses does.
If you love C4 as much as Sharon does, don’t miss out on this special opportunity to take 10% off during the month of February! Just use the code “SHARONC4” at checkout and enjoy your savings! Click the banner below and start shopping!
