38 SIDELINES OCTOBER 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Shane Sweetnam: Living the Sweet Life
By Mandy Su
Shane Sweetnam, a 32-year-old
native of Cork, Ireland, began riding at
the age of six. Encouraged by supportive
parents Jerry and Marie, he pursued his
riding career and entered his first grand
prix at the age of 16. After completing
college at the University of Limerick in
Ireland, he decided that he would have
greater opportunities to advance in his
riding career in the United States rather
than staying in Ireland.
After moving to the US in 2004,
Shane began to add to his list of
accomplishments. His achievements
include winning the Spruce Meadows
Derby, being part of the winning team
in La Baule, a double clear in the
Dublin Nations Cup, and a clear in the
Nations Cup in Aachen. He continues to
compete regularly both in the US and Europe.
Shane owns and operates Sweet Oak Farm in Wellington,
Florida with his wife, Ali. In addition to training his own horses
and riders, he rides and trains for Spy Coast Farm and has piloted
the farm’s mounts such as Amaretto D’Arco and most recently,
Cyklon, to numerous wins all over the US and Europe. Sidelines
caught up with the Irish rider to ask him 10 quick questions.
1.
Who kicked off your riding career?
My parents. I am the youngest of five and all my brothers and
sister rode before me. So as long as I can remember, I have been
riding.
2.
When did you know you wanted to become a
professional horseman?
Actually I didn’t think I wanted to be a professional horseman
for the longest time. I was in my last year in university studying
information technology, when I realized I didn’t want to work in
an office for the rest of my life. But I did finish and got my degree
and feel my four years in university really stand to me, even today.
3.
Who is your biggest role model or inspiration?
My parents. They have always been very supportive and haxe
given a lot for me to get here.
4.
Do you have a favorite show venue?
The Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).
5.
Do you have a favorite horse?
Not really. All of mine at the moment try so hard to win in the
ring, so it’s not fair to favor one more than the other. They are all
great.
6.
Do you have a good luck charm that you can’t
show without?
Lucky spurs that I have had for four years. I wear them every
day and on most of my horses when I compete.
7.
If you could ride any horse, dead or alive, who
would it be?
I love Nick Skelton’s Big Star. He is a great horse. He has plenty
of blood, so I think he would also suit me.
8.
Do you have any other hobbies?
I love soccer
.
9.
If you could have a different career, what would
you do?
Not sure really. Soccer player?? Probably wouldn’t be good
enough to have a career. But I can dream.
10.
What is your most memorable horse related
moment?
When I was double clear in the AGA Khan at the Dublin Horse
Show in 2011, so special.
About the writer: Horse crazy since the age of five, South Florida native Mandy Su
graduated from the University of Kentucky in the spring of 2013. Other than spending
every waking moment in the saddle and at the barn with her horses, she also enjoys
photography and playing with her Great Dane, Ben.
e
Shane Sweetnam
Photo by Mancini Photos
Shane competing
at the 2013 Winter
Equestrian Festival.
Photo by Mancini Photos
