THIS Rider Profile: Shannon Davidson

Photo © Jerry Mohme Photography.

BY TYLER BUI

Shannon Davidson is always on the go, traveling from coast to coast juggling her two passions: riding and fashion. She sat on her first pony at age two and began her riding career taking western lessons at five before switching to the hunter-jumper discipline two years later. Davidson spent her junior years riding with Hap Hansen in Rancho Santa Fe, before taking a break from the sport for almost 10 years. 

“For 30 years, I have been producing fashion events,” says Davidson. “My work is completely detail-oriented; it’s a service business I’m in, so when I’m able to ride it just quiets my mind, [and] it’s a huge part of my well being. It makes me happy, [and] it’s where I find my joy.”

Photo © Shawn McMillen.

Today, Davidson lives in Texas and rides with Matt Cyphert of Woodhill Farm. In 2021, she finished fifth at the THIS/ NHS Adult Equitation Championship in Lexington, KY. As an amateur, Davidson has developed a profound passion and appreciation for the equitation. 

“This past year was my first time going to the THIS Adult Medal finals in Kentucky, and I loved everything about it,” says Davidson. “I finished fifth in the finals, and I remember how I felt after my second round, because I moved up [in the standings.] It was so much fun having the placings called back in reverse order. I’m excited to go back and compete again this year. I love showing there. The facility is great, it’s super organized, [and] I love the format: It’s just like competing in the Maclay Finals.”

Photo © Shawn McMillen.

“I love everything about the equitation,” she continued. “I love the finesse of it; I love how exact a rider has to be; I love the subtlety of the equitation. To me, it’s like watching ballet, when you see a really good dancer on point or see a girl with a beautiful arm as a dancer. I look at riders that way.”

Keywords

horses, horseshoe, jumping horses, horses near me, horses names, horse news, news, hunter jumper, magazine, ponies, taylor harris, taylor harris insurance services, competition, horse show, winner, horse results, results, horses for sale in florida, horses for sale near me, horse games, breeds of horses, breyer horses, horse books, horse movies, facts about horses, famous horses, faster horses, dancing horses, miniature horses, types of horses

This Post is Brought to You by:

The Tried Equestrian

Save and make money with The Tried Equestrian, the largest online tack and apparel consignment shop. 

We champion a circular economy that allows riders to save money, make money, and contribute to a greener future. 

Shop a curated selection of pre-owned and discount tack and apparel, that challenges even the most skeptical consignment shoppers!

Previous articleThe Grand History of Epsom Derby
Next articleIt’s About the Relationship: Managing Your Horse-Time