Born to Shine on the Centre Line: Sharon
Sharon Avison from Windsor in Berkshire is the next star of our Born to Shine on the Centre Line feature.
When and why did you start riding?
I was seven, my father was in the army so I learnt in Germany. I loved horses, my idol was Harvey Smith when I was young and I wanted to be like him! The first time you get on a horse is amazing and it is something I will always love.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself!
I have jumped off the Stratosphere Hotel in Vegas. And another...spoke to Prince Harry and Prince William the day before Harry got married when they did their walkabout in Windsor, was on the tv and in papers, was amazing!
Tell us a bit more about your horse
Special Edition (Ed) is a 15 year old bay gelding.
Ed belongs to Berkshire Riding Centre owned by Rosie Lord who once trained the Colombian Olympic Team...amazing teacher, so he does get ridden by lots of other people. Some of the horses are on loan, where we obviously ride them more and treat them like our own. I have loaned him for three years now and we are a great partnership, I love him to bits.
Have you got any interesting stories or anecdotes about your horse?
Ed can be very grumpy, but see's me and knows there are treats coming, but underneath he is very loveable (gives me cuddles when nobody is looking) he likes to act the big I am, and tries his heart out for me when it matters.
What do you want to achieve in 2019?
Most months my scores get better and this is what matters. We have grown together so I want keep on getting better and maybe get a first or second in my class.
What's your biggest challenge?
Lateral work, Ed struggles with this so we have to work even harder to get results. Ed and I love to jump and this is what he enjoys, so dressage is a bit of a challenge for us.
What's your favourite thing about competing with Dressage Anywhere?
No pressure (although I do feel sick every month when I do it) and I love the judges remarks, very helpful and encouraging.