Amateur Spotlight: Amanda Sharritt

Here at Horse Nation, our hats are permanently off to adult amateurs. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Amanda Sharritt, a dedicated eventer, globe-trotter and mom-of-3.

Name: Amanda Sharritt

Location: Okinawa Japan at the moment

Day job: Full time Mom of three and a dedicated milspouse. (that’s Military spouse for you civilians ;))

Equestrian interests: Eventing, trail riding, riding with friends and pretty much anything equine!

What are the challenges you face as an adult amateur equestrian? How do you overcome them?: I’m sure I have a lot of the same challenges as most adult amateurs that is trying to find a balance between family, work and horses. I have the added challenge of a military lifestyle. I have not lived in the same place for longer than one year over the past 4 or 5 years. I’ve lived on the East coast in Georgia and on the West coast in Washington and lots of places in between. Right now I am the furthest from home I’ve ever been all the way on the other side of the world on the tiny island of Okinawa. (Konnichiwa!) Every time we move it is a challenge to find horse transport, a new barn, a new instructor/trainer and let’s not even mention trying to find all the best “horsey” places to shop and meeting other equine friends! Through that challenge I have learned to be flexible and open minded about other equestrians I have met which has allowed me to learn so many new things!  I “discovered” eventing just a couple of years ago and this summer I leased a horse, New York Times, barn name Chief, and got to show at my first events in the beginner novice and novice levels. I am forever hooked on the sport of eventing! and hope to go home again this summer for some more. While I am stuck, er I mean stationed in Okinawa I have found a lesson barn “Mihara Horse Club” where I can take lessons once or twice a week. Since I can’t ride as often as I’d like I try to maintain my shape and strength through kickboxing, running, jump rope, weights, and various other exercises. I can’t always control the circumstances around me but rather than sitting around feeling bad about it I do my best to make the most of it. I read as much about my sport and horses as I can and I stay active in the “horse world” through online forums, horse sites, and horse friends, etc. You know the saying when life gives you lemons and all that or in our case when life gives you a slow race horse make him an eventer!

Words to live by: My kickboxing trainer sent these words out in an email to his students and I find them very inspiring: “Talent and natural abilities can bring you a measure of success today, but diligence brings you a lasting success that gives back to you and those around you”. ~ Benjamin Sensei