 Sharon
has had a life long love of horses. She has been successfully
riding and showing since 1972.
She has a Bachelor of Science degree
in Animal Science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute.
The more Sharon
became involved in horses, the stronger her desire to make her dream
of breeding an exemplary sport horse become a reality, one that would
have the swift speed of a Thoroughbred and the powerful strength of a
Dutch Warmblood and be part of the United States Equestrian Team at
the Olympics.
 Construction
began on a sizeable breeding barn, training and boarding facility in
1993 and East Coast Equestrian Training Center, Inc., (ECETC)
was created.
One
of the first foals in the barn was "Olympic
Dreamer." Aptly named, she is a part of Sharon's dream of Olympian
horses. "Dreamer" is by "Arthos." Arthos was selected for the Irish
Jump team and subsequently exhibited in the 1996 Olympic Equestrian
Games in Atlanta placing 8th!
"Dreamer's" lineage came through
quickly for her at a young age. She won top 10 yearling at Devon her
first time out! Then she won "Best Young Horse" again at Devon. In
1999, Dreamer was ridden by Aaron Vale at the International Hunter
Futurities' "International
Competition - The Kentucky National" in the Over Fences
Conformation and came in 9th.
1996
also brought a colt to the barn that would begin the breeding of an
outstanding Sport Horse. He is "Prosperity",
by "E'Sop's Fable." E'Sop's Fable tied for the 1994 GTE High Jump
record of 6'6" with a 5' spread at Huntington Beach.
 Fortune has become a
proven stallion. His prodigy have already proven their heritage
through their confirmation, disposition and successful talent in the
show rings.
The temperament in
each of them is wonderful.
All youngsters have been imprinted from birth and have inherited the
laid-back, well-balanced nature of their sire.
Since then other mares have
arrived. They have brought well known lineage with them, such as
Consul, Nimmerdor, Oldenburg, and Arthos as well as their own
successes in the Hunter, Jumper, Dressage and Eventing arenas.
ECETC
was also designed to provide all aspects and disciplines of horse
training. This includes eventing, hunter, jumper, and dressage.
Horses are
also trained at various
levels of training, including unstarted, green and made.
Sharon's style of
training is reflected on the walls of her home which are covered with
numerous ribbons and pictures; and a showcase of trophies. Lessons are
also provided for the the
beginner, novice and seasoned Event, Hunter, Jumper and Dressage rider.
 Some of the best
boarding
care on the east coast is at ECETC. Sharon makes it a point to look out
for the welfare, physical fitness and treatment of all the horses and is
very selective who works in her barn. TLC is first and foremost. Her
staff is well versed in equine care. They, like Sharon, are very
conscientious about their work and care for boarders' horses. It's no wonder the barn stays full most of the
time!
 With her ever growing
success in breeding Dutch Warmblood Sport Horses along with increasing
boarding requests, Sharon outgrew her first barn. She purchased a
second barn dedicated specifically to breeding the Sport Horse; bringing
about "East Coast Sport Horses, LLC." (ECSH) ECSH breeds strength,
speed and discipline with Olympian, imported and excellent performance
lineage.
Knowing
the potential of the Sport Horses being produced at ECSH; Sharon and her
foals, (along with her students from ECETC), can be found traveling the
show circuit in the mid-Atlantic area. In 2003, the
collective success of ECSH and ECETC gave Sharon cause to grow yet
again.
This time, her dream has
become a reality. A combination of both training and breeding under one
roof on over a hundred acres of land. A grand facility to further the
knowledge and sport of riding, showing, boarding and breeding quality
sport horses!
 Sharon's
dream of a great equestrian facility broke ground September 2003. The
facility houses the breeding, training, and boarding aspects along with an
enormous indoor riding ring. It will also be a host facility to many
equestrian related events, such as shows, seminars and clinics for
southeastern Virginia. The growth of the facility was one of pride to
all who were a part of it and was well worth the wait. Visit the
facilities page for more pictures!
In 2005, Sharon created the East Coast Horse Show Association.
Keeping the fun in local shows while maintaining the rules and
competitiveness, membership has become remarkable! Membership was over
100 members the first year and continues to grow with each subsequent
show. While membership is not required to show, the divisions
include the Hunter, Jumper, Equitation, and Medal disciplines with
points accumulating toward ECHSA year-end awards and VHSA
Associate year-end awards.
ECSH
has some of the finest, well bred, disciplined Sport Horses on the
east coast with
horses already stretching the globe from Hawaii to Germany, Sharon is
proud to be marketing athletic horses from suckling to made, many
with Olympic lineage.
It is no
surprise they are bred in the State of Virginia, where some of this
country's greatest horses come from.
Sharon's reputation as a
great, caring Sport
Horse breeder (ECSH) and trainer (ECETC), is ever growing!
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View of the ECETC-ECSH facilities from the
outdoor riding arena |
View
of the ECETC-ECSH facilities from across the pastures
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