A Special Partnership

Faanya’s kind and in-tune nature allows her to be a fantastic partner

Words Nicola Sharp

My 14-year-old daughter, Olivia Sharp, started her equine journey when she was seven. Her auntie’s words, “You need to get that child a horse” and just two weeks later, we were caring for a pony.

A few years went by and Olivia outgrew two beautiful ponies. So, what does Olivia move on to? The first horse we looked at, an Arabian mare! We bought Sheridan Park Faanya (Abraxas Amir x Sheridan Park Faridah), or Faan as Olivia calls her, based on her beautiful nature. She has taught both Olivia and I just how soft and light you need to be with Arabians.

Faan is a sensitive, wanting-to-please horse. She will do anything for Olivia, if Olivia asks the right questions in a soft, clear manner. This is where Olivia’s love of Parelli Natural Horsemanship has excelled. If you ask Olivia what she loves about her Arabian mare, she will tell you it’s Faanya’s kind and in-tune nature that allows her to be a fantastic partner.

They enjoy beach and bush rides, camps, dressage, working bareback, jumping, barrel racing, trail riding, doing groundwork and sometimes they just hang out together. They really do have something special happening.