THE ART OF WAR | 14 YEAR OLD STANDARDBRED | FOLSOM, LA
Sharkey, The Art of War, is a Standardbred Gelding. He is trained by Jeremy Granier at Hidden Creek Stables in Folsom, LA.
Sharkey is a handsome dark brown horse, sporting two striking white hind ankles that catch the eye. His freeze tattoo on the right side, tucked beneath his flowing mane, adds to his distinct appearance. Sharkey’s gentle and kind nature makes him a joy to be around, especially in the stall and around others, including children. But when it’s time to hit the show ring, Sharkey’s professional demeanor shines through, and he’s always ready to go. He has an uncanny ability to sense when it’s showtime, and he prepares for it by sleeping and resting, even with his eyes open! Sharkey is truly a remarkable horse, both in looks and personality.
John, Sharkey’s owner, stumbled upon this remarkable horse in a barn owned by someone else. After spending some time with the owner, John noticed that they didn’t seem to care much for Sharkey anymore, leaving him alone and neglected. John had always been drawn to Sharkey’s unique characteristics and admired him from afar. Eventually, John was able to buy Sharkey and take care of him, giving him the love and attention he deserved. John can’t recall the first time he met Sharkey, but he remembers the first time he saw him after they bought him. He reassured Sharkey that he was now in good hands and had nothing to worry about. For the past 7 years, John and Sharkey have formed an unbreakable bond, and their love for each other only grows stronger each day.
This delightful horse has a clear favorite treat – Skittles! He adores these little candies and can never get enough of them. However, Sharkey is a bit of a picky eater when it comes to Skittles. He loves all the colors except for the purple grape ones. If you happen to give him a handful of Skittles, he will be sure to find those grape ones in his mouth and promptly spit them out. Sharkey is a true candy connoisseur, and his love for Skittles is evident with every bite.
Sharkey has an impressive list of accomplishments to his name. In 2022, he placed 7th in the World’s Grand Championship, a remarkable achievement that highlights his skills and abilities. Additionally, Sharkey is currently ranked as the 3rd best of breed for Open Roadster, a prestigious honor that reflects his hard work and dedication. Sharkey’s natural talent and love for competition have helped him achieve these impressive accomplishments, and there’s no doubt that he will continue to shine in the future.
John’s journey into the world of horse riding started with a bit of reluctance. Some friends had invited him to go trail riding with them, but John had a bad childhood experience with horses and was afraid. However, he didn’t want to miss out on the fun, so he decided to take lessons to learn how to ride. It was during these lessons that John met his future wife, Ashley, at the barn, and they quickly fell in love with each other and with the world of horses. Since then, John and Ashley have been doing horses together for about 17 years, sharing their love for these magnificent creatures. John’s favorite thing about owning horses is the opportunity to spend time with Ashley and to have the companionship of these phenomenal animals.
John, a passionate horse rider, has a favorite memory that stands out above all the others. It was the day he performed an American Indian ritual called “joining up” with his beloved horse, Sharkey. This ritual involves developing a spiritual connection with your horse, and for John and Sharkey, it was a powerful experience that solidified their bond. Sharkey is a powerful and energetic horse, but during this ritual, he and John became one and best friends, taking care of each other. Ever since that day, John and Sharkey have had an unbreakable bond that nobody can understand. They will be together until the end of their days.
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Karinda K. is a Houston, TX based equine photographer that travels around the United States photographing equestrians and their horses. Karinda specializes in Outdoor Horse & Rider Portrait sessions that bring to life the magical relationship equestrians share with their horses, Senior Portraits, and Fine Art Black & White Background Portraits for those that want a piece of art featuring their very own animals.
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