By: Jessica O’Connor
Chloe Sheth, a former Clemson University student, has joined the team of riding instructors at Walterboro’s Premier’s Riding School.
Sheth began her riding career around the age of ten, and has competed on the hunter/jumper circuit. She reminisced that one of her favorite memories in the show ring was winning a class on a pony that she had helped train at his first show. “It was nice to see the progress he made, and bringing home the blue ribbon was just a bonus,” Sheth said. She’s currently putting the finishing touches on two ponies of her own that will be used as lesson horses as well as shown in the hunter ring.
Holding a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Veterinary Science from Clemson University, Sheth also rode with the school’s equestrian team, was a member of Women in Animal and Veterinary Sciences (WAVS), and completed an internship at Talleyville Equine Reproduction.
Sheth noted that her favorite aspect of working as a riding instructor stems from her own experience in the saddle. “You’re so happy after a good ride,” she exclaimed. “I just can’t explain the feeling.” The young woman hopes to help others feel that same rush of exhilaration and pride through her work.
Lesson students at Premier’s Riding School take part in all aspects of horse care when they arrive at the barn each week. Owner Pam Sheaf feels that tasks such as grooming, tacking up, and caring for the horses after the student’s lesson is a positive force for instilling a sense of responsibility in young people. Along with that measure of responsibility comes a host of other positive benefits.
“I think it does wonders for kids’ confidence,” Sheth stated. “I know it did for me-it brought me out of my shell. That’s what I’m hoping it will do for others as well, give them that confidence and drive.”
With her personal background in the hunter/jumper world, Sheth will mainly focus on working with students who aspire to learn more about jumping. However, the farm has created a comprehensive lesson program across its three current instructors. Each has their personal strengths that contribute to the success of every individual student.
The farm currently offers English, western, and vaulting lessons.
To learn more about Premier’s Riding School and their lesson program, visit the farm on Facebook or at https://psheaf1.wixsite.com/premiersridingschool.
