54 SIDELINES JULY 2012
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
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By Kelsey Hart
Shawn Casady, a 17-year-old fromHarriman, Tennessee,
has worked hard for his success in the show world and has
made it to the top of the junior divisions – without owning
a horse! Shawn has found success as a hunter, jumper
and equitation rider, from ponies to junior jumpers, and has
relied on catch rides to be able to show on circuit.
Many of his contemporaries might see his situation as
a disadvantage; but Shawn considers catch riding to be a
blessing in disguise. The opportunity to ride a wide variety
of horses has helped him to master a natural feel and to
fgure out the horse and what works. Instead of posing
on a familiar horse, Shawn’s focus is to show off the best
performance of each horse by tailoring his riding style to
the horse.
His best advice for other juniors in his position – “Never
turn down an opportunity!” Shawn is grateful for the
opportunities he has been given by the owners of his catch
rides and for the help of trainer Bill Schaub and Ashland
Farms. “The biggest beneft to catch riding is learning to
be adaptable,” he said. “The advantage of catch riding is
that there isn’t enough time to get too comfortable riding a
certain way.”
Shawn said he has learned to change his technique
and learned new ways to adjust to a horse’s needs. The
horse industry has also taught Shawn how to manage time,
network and communicate: skills that help him in school.
With a demanding schedule, Shawn hasn’t attended a
regular high school, but instead attends #1 Education Place
in Wellington, Florida, through the University of Nebraska.
Looking back on his junior career, Shawn says he has
no regrets. Choosing an alternative education was a big
decision, but he stands by this choice that has helped him
to pursue his riding career. While Shawn has Olympic
dreams, right now he is focused on, “learning everything I
can and learning how to ride every type of horse.” Though
his success might substantiate bragging rights, Shawn
remains humble and appreciative. He strives to improve
from his mistakes while at the same time treasuring every
success.
“I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the horses I have
been given to ride,” he said.
Shawn Casady
Photos by Emily Alllongo