Recent days have given us time to reflect on the positive relationships in our equestrian industry, and how many of us our still fortunate to be working and riding. This article features Anna Christina Gansauer, a grand prix show jumper who became a client of Wordley Martin’s in 2013, when she decided to move her riding career from Ecuador to the United States for broader career opportunity.
As a young professional, Anna was looking to launch her business in a horse centric region in the USA, and while Ocala ticked all the boxes for her, she needed guidance during the transition. Anna admits, that when she decided to take the leap, she was a kid and didn’t have knowledge of the region nor a big budget. Luckily, Anna found Ocala Horse Properties through a Google search from her desk in Ecuador, and together they found a piece of property that would meet her equestrian facility needs.
Anna’s biggest challenge was that she was traveling back and forth to Ecuador and needed help on every aspect of the construction project to accomplish this vision. This is where her story of community and partnership began between Anna, Ocala Horse Properties and Wordley Martin Equestrian.
The Desino’s quickly jumped into action, recommending she work with Wordley Martin Equestrian for the arena design and Delbene Construction for the barn project. Craig and Sharn worked closely with Anna and the other companies to make suggestions on facility layout that would suit her professional needs.
According to Anna, “Between the Desino Brothers and Wordley Martin, they planned everything while I was home in Ecuador. I was treated like family, and when I returned to Ocala most of the planning was completed!” The result of this combined effort was the creation of Kandor Farm, a special farm named after Anna’s first grand prix horse who taught her the ropes of show jumping and competed with her until the age of 21!
Anna created her 20 stall barn as a multi disciplines training facility. Currently, eight stalls are occupied by private clients who own dressage horses in training with Linda Smith, and the remaining stalls are for Anna’s show jumping clients and sales horses. Wordley Martin designed a 120′ by 200′ arena with all weather footing, which is used daily by Anna and all of her clients and boarders.
Anna’s initial connection to Sharn Wordley also lead her to Olympian Scott Keach, whom she continues to train with today. Together they compete throughout Florida at HITS, WEF, Venice Beach and Live Oak International. During the summers they travel the circuit to Kentucky, Tryon and Canada. She currently campaigns her own Delgado Van’t Neerhoof (aka Delgy), a 17 year old Belgium Warmblood, and Hotshot in the Grand Prix classes. She also competes Valcaro (a sales horse) in the 1.40m to 1.45m classes as well.
Anna has been a fantastic client for Wordley Martin and a positive example of how businesses that support our equestrian industry can work together to help clients design their dream facilities. We hope you enjoy these photos, which we took while cheering for Anna and Delgy at Live Oak International, just a few short weeks ago.
Wordley Martin also wants to wish all of our clients the best of luck in the next month while we all focus on staying close to home for our riding. Our offices and staff are continuing to work, while practicing best health practices. A reminder that we are able to do arena maintenance and give quotes for new projects while being mindful of social distancing, so please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Looking towards the spring with optimism ~ The Team at Wordley Martin Equestrian.
