21 Questions with Avery Sharp!

Welcome to EFOs first Featured Rider, Avery Sharp!

I have had the pleasure of getting to know Avery over the past couple years, travelling to Florida with her and watching her develop young horses of her own. She has been a true role model for younger girls at the barn and a perfect example of what dedication to the Equestrian Industry looks like.

EFO decided to sit down and get a little bit more personal with her - so here it is...

EFOs 21 Questions with Avery Sharp!

1. How did you enter the Equestrian Industry?

"Both my parents had been involved with horses on and off throughout their lives. My mum rode for years and stopped riding once she had gotten pregnant with me. I started riding at a family friends farm at only 3 years old, until I was old enough to be enrolled into lessons at 4!"

2. How did you make it to the position you are in today?

"The cliché way to put it is, hard work. Though that is true, I wouldn't have made it anywhere if I didn't have a support team behind me. Be that my parents, coaches, friends, and of course the animals. You need to work hard, be dedicated and have passion for what you do, but you also need people in your life to push you to keep going when all you want to do is give up."

3. What does it take, in your opinion, to be successful in this field?

"To be able to look outside the box when you are struggling. Not all horses are textbook. Be intuitive and willing to try new things and new ways of doing things. Be able to adapt to the horses way of thinking. Be willing to get up earlier than others, and stay up later. You really do have to put in the extra effort and don't let struggle get to you."

4. What does an average day look like for you?

"I'm normally down at the farm in the morning - but really my days are a big mix up of riding, general horse care and farm care. Some days are 5hrs and some are 15hrs - that's all part of it."

5. What are the most common challenges you face?

"Learning to take the good with the bad, and understanding that just because one day was amazing, doesn't mean the next day will be the same."

6. Do you have any suggestions for young riders looking to enter this field?

"Put in the hours - work for people, watch the pros, watch all the lessons you can and take all the advice you get. Maybe it won't work for you right now but, five years down the line it might. Be patient and relentless."

7. What are some of the most common challenges you face with your riding?

"Remembering every horse has its own way of going and not to expect the horse to mold to you, but you mold to the horse."

8. If you could spend a day doing a different sport, what would it be?

"This is tough...I honestly have no idea haha."

9. If you weren't in the Equestrian Industry, what do you think you would be doing instead and why?

"I had the choice when I was younger - dance or riding? Pretty obvious what I picked...however, if I went with dance I'd probably still be doing that."

10. What accomplishment are you most proud of within the Equestrian Industry (does not have to be based on show results)?

"I honestly have no idea - lol it has been an emotional roller coaster."

11. The most memorable horse which you have owned or ridden is ________ and why?

"Aquarius 'Sky's the Limit', he is my one in a million."

12. What is the one thing you can never go to a horse show without? (i.e. lucky socks)?

"I'm a little funny. I always keep my schooling stuff, and horse show stuff separate. So, I guess all my show stuff could be considered lucky."

13. Do you have any horse show rituals? (other than getting Tim's at 4am)

"Aquarius will only eat his breakfast in the dark on show days (assuming we leave before sunrise!) I always go into the barn with the lights off, push in his hay and grain, then hook up the the trailer and let him enjoy in peace. This is the same with most of my horses, but they don’t care about the lights like him!"

14.What is your favourite post-horseshow thing to do? (i.e. relax with a glass of wine, unpack the trailer etc.)

"First and foremost is loving on the horse and making sure they know they did their job! Second is to unwind with an adult bevy and hang out/relax with friends"

15.What do you like to do with your horse in the off-season or off days?

"No saddle, no bridle, no problems! Fun rides, hacks, and trick training. I think it is important to take your horse's brain outside of the ring too!"

16. Does your horse have a favourite treat? If so, what is it?

"Depends on the horse! Mostly it's stud muffins but, Laker likes salt and vinegar chips, Louie loves muffins and Nikolas loves timbits. They are have their favourites!"

17. What do you like to do when you manage to get some time off and away from the barn? Do you do anything else to keep in shape (other than riding)?

"After I try and get all my personal errands done, it is relax time! I'd definitely like to try and get to the cottage, or go fishing more this year. I try and get the gym every so often but between the horses, and the dogs I'm up and going most of the day. Not much time for anything else and when I do get time off I am definitely taking it haha!"

18. Describe your dream vacation (does not have to be horse related).

"I'd love to go to Ireland, or Australia!"

19. What are you most grateful for at your barn?

"The support from rider to rider and willingness to lend a hand"

20. Describe the funniest wardrobe malfunction that you have had when riding?

"Having to use polos for chaps when my tall boots broke."

21. What is your go-to late night snack?

"Something salty or sweet - depends on what I'm feeling that night"

Would you rather...

Be forced to show in paddock boots and polos or Hunter rain boots?

Show in paddock boots and polos!

Show in a sleeveless shirt or a bright neon green show coat?

Show in a bright neon green show coat!

Fall in the warm-up ring or go into the ring with a very mud covered horse?

Go into the ring with a very mud covered horse.

Split your breeches in the ring or have your reins break mid-course?

Split my breeches

Have your horse refuse a jump or not even make it down the shoot?

Horse refuse a jump.

Swim in the ocean with your horse or travel the mountains via horseback?

Travel the mountains via horseback!

We would like to thank Avery for taking the time to meet with us and answer some of our questions! We wish you all the best and don't forget to stop by the 'Big Yellow Trailer' whenever you can!

- EFO

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