20 SIDELINES JULY 2014
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
By Sydney Durieux
It wasn’t that long ago that Sheer Levitin, still in jodhpurs and
paddock boots with her long hair neatly plaited and tied with a
beautiful bow, could be found putting ponies through their paces
in the hunter ring. But things have changed for the seventh grader
from Delray Beach, Florida.
Now under the guidance of legendary trainer Katie Prudent and
riding with Plain Bay Farm, Sheer celebrated her 13th birthday
during the Winter Equestrian Festival where she moved up into
the Junior Jumpers. Today, this talented teen sports polished
tall boots and a tailored Step by Step Foundation jacket in the
show ring, where she has already become the girl to beat, setting
the pace and putting in winning rounds with her long, dark braid,
closed with a colorful ribbon, flying in the wind over every fence!
“I always loved horses when I was young and I would sometimes
ride for fun at a ranch in New York when I was little,” recalled
Sheer. “I had my ninth birthday party at a barn and after that my
mom let me start having lessons. Since then my whole life has
been about riding.”
“I did the hunters and a little bit of equitation, but my passion is
the jumpers,” explained Sheer. “I enjoy riding horses that, like me,
always try their best and are very competitive. I like the speed and
e
being ranked purely on my time and clean jumps. At the moment,
I have two horses: Nabuco Du Theil, a Selle Français gelding, and
Penelope Z, a Zangersheide mare, and both horses are stabled at
Stransky’s Mission Farm in Wellington.”
It was there that Sheer met the stable’s owner, Liliane Stransky,
and learned about her international children’s charity, Step by Step
Foundation. “I realize that I am very fortunate to be able to pursue
my dreams of being a Grand Prix rider,” Sheer said. “However,
I know that there are billions of children out there who can’t find
enough food to eat, let alone follow their dreams. I think it’s so
important for me to help the less fortunate so they too can reach
their own personal dreams.”
Liliane is impressed with her newest teammember’s enthusiasm
and efforts for others. “She’s new to Step by Step but she
immediately jumped right in to help, selling raffle tickets to raise
funds to buy feed for the mounts at Horses N Heroes,” Liliane said.
“She really wanted to help this equestrian program for young girls
from families with extreme financial constraints in Florida.”
Katie Prudent agrees that Sheer is a shining star. “Sheer is a
fantastic, natural innate talent,” explained Katie, who is one of the
most influential riders and trainers in United States show jumping.
“I don’t usually take on young students; they often need more
basics, and they have to be able to follow me on the road. But I
love teaching Sheer, who has a great way with horses that are not
always behaving. I wanted to keep moving forward and also away
from the hunters, which are a dead end and don’t teach people
how to ride horses,” she stated emphatically.
Sheer, of course, is very appreciative of Katie’s guidance. “I’ve
Sheer Levitin Has Sheer Talent
Sheer Levitin
Photo by Jack Mancini, ManciniPhotos.com
Sheer sports her Step by Step jacket
