Lessons

A native of Connecticut, Mike Sharp has been showing and training top horses and riders for over 40 years. A former Chef d'Equipe for the Bermuda show jumping team, Mike also has conducted clinics throughout the Mid-Atlantic, New England, Oregon and Kentucky.

Mike established Belvoir Farm South in 2005 after moving down to Aiken from Keswick, VA. where he ran a very successful training facility also named "Belvoir." After coming to Aiken, he and wife Marilyn set about creating the same quality atmosphere that his clients had enjoyed so much up north.

Today, Belvoir Farm South hosts a series of monthly schooling shows - designed to help riders hone their skills in preparation for the larger shows and also to allow those who want to get out and enjoy horse showing without the expense and pressure that the larger shows bring

The Mike Sharp Method

Mike's philosophy regarding riding and training is quite simple - "Why practice to be mediocre? Practice doesn't make perfect... perfect practice makes perfect." In essence, you can only think about so many things at one time. So take one element of your riding and focus only on that - like your position. Don't worry about anything else until it becomes committed to muscle memory through constant correct repitition. Now you can move on to the next step...

Once you have a balanced position, you can begin to give your horse a more positive ride instead of a defensive one. Too many people ride to prevent their horses from doing something - they're defensive. But once you're confirmed in your balance and position, you can begin encouraging the horse to do what you want - you can now influence the horse to go their best.

"Give the horse the best ride you can"

When it comes to influencing the horse, Mike applies the same principle - only this time its the horse that practicies until he can build the correct muscle memory. Give the horse the best ride you can. Not a ride where you're pushing and pulling and changing things all the time to get a result. Focusing on what the horse is doing wrong won't change him. It will only change the way you're riding and that's NOT what you want.

Instead, just keep asking over and over for what's right. Expect a horse to rise to the level you're after and eventually, he will. Keep giving him the best ride you can - keep doing the right thing. It will come.

Mike is happy to share his years of experience and expertise with riders and horses of all levels. To schedule a lesson or clinic, please call (803) 646-5714 or email