If you think that riding a cross country course is tough or recovering from the occasional broken bone incurred while riding is a pain, here’s a story that might make you think again. It may even make you want to be part of Sharon Jarvis’ para-equestrian journey – a journey that was inspirational even before her medals came along
Sharon started riding at three years of age but she was diagnosed with bone cancer in her leg at the age of seven. Despite the prognosis that she only had months to live, Sharon defied the odds and after a year of intensive treatment, was cleared of the cancer. However the affected bone in the left leg had ongoing problems and, following many operations and bone grafts, Sharon has been left with limited movement and strength from the waist down. Unlike many people who would simply have given up, and certainly given up riding, Sharon remained determined not only to ride but to ride at the highest level.
Sharon has been at the top of para-equestrian and able bodied dressage for several years and reached great heights with her bronze medal winning 2010 World Equestrian Games mount, Applewood Odorado (Odie - seen below)
Sadly, Odie became unsound and the decision was made to retire him to a lush paddock on the family farm. Sharon then had the ride on an imported stallion at the first two Paralympic selection events in 2011 but unfortunately that horse was not available after 2011. Odie was given a second chance to make it to London, but despite everyone’s best efforts, he could not sustain the level of work required for an Olympic campaign and, just days before he was to be trucked to the east coast from Sharon’s base in Western Australia, the final decision was made to withdraw him from the Paralympic selection events. It was a very difficult decision that was made out of love and care for this gallant horse.
Earlier in the year Sharon had ridden an imported Danish warmblood gelding called Michar to outstanding success, especially for such a short partnership, at the Para Equestrian Championships in Sydney. Together they achieved a first and two seconds, then again at the Paralympic Selection Event in May they took out the hat trick; 1st Team Dressage Test, 1st Individual Championships, 1st Freestyle and were crowned Grade 3 Champions.
Due to very strict selection criteria this combination are not eligible for selection for the 2012 London Paralympics as Sharon and Michar (pictured above) have only competed at two selection events and they needed to compete at three to be eligible.
So, what now for one of Australia’s leading para-equestrian riders? The World Para-Equestrian Games 2014 is only two years away and with typical determination, Sharon is not going to give up simply because she cannot make the London 2012 Paralympics Games. Winning medals at the World Para-Equestrian Games was a great personal achievement for Sharon, and it also highlighted this emerging sport to the rest of Australia and, no doubt, inspired many other people, disabled or not, to reach for their dreams. Her achievements are shared with supporters, friends and family as she thanks everyone for their help, no matter how small a contribution it has been.
One of the favourite stories I have heard about Sharon is from Olympic silver medallist eventing rider Sonja Johnson. When Sonja broke her pelvis in 2011, her good friend Sharon Jarvis helped to keep Sonja’s Olympic prospect and 4 Star eventing horse in work. Sonja said “It’s quite ironic really, some para-equestrian riders have able-bodied riders to help keep their horses fully fit. I need a para-equestrian horse to help keep my eventing horse fit”
Sharon’s willingness to help others out will hopefully be rewarded in a new syndicate being put together. Bearing in mind that it is a team effort to bring home these international championship medals and maintain a horse such as Michar in training, a syndicate of owners is being formed to purchase this horse for Sharon and for Australia’s future medal hopes.
If you have an interest in being a part of this syndicate or would simply like to discuss the options to assist Sharon in any way, please contact the people below
Di Bawden 0412 772 416 [email protected]
Sharon Jarvis 0438 995 700 [email protected]
Nikki Brooks 0412 777 377 [email protected]
