About Team Sherlin
Equestrian Team
Team Sherlin
Equestrian Team
Behind every focused mind is a passion that fuels the journey. For the Sherlin family, that passion is horses.
“Team Sherlin” is the name we’ve affectionately given to our close-knit circle of riders, support crew, trainers, and faithful friends who make up our equestrian family. While we don’t claim top ribbons or fame, we’ve come to understand that it truly takes a village—on and off the horse—to keep pursuing excellence, connection, and growth through the equestrian sports.
Leslie and Mariska Sherlin are the riders at the heart of Team Sherlin. Leslie is a competitive adult amateur who started riding late in life alongside Mariska. He currently shows in both English and Western dressage. His professional life as a therapist and sport & performance psychology consultant naturally complements the mindfulness, discipline, and presence required in the saddle. Mariska, still in the junior years, is quickly becoming a force of their own, having returned to the show ring in 2025 after a spinal fracture in late 2024. Their grace under pressure and tenacity are a testament to the power of mental strength and supportive coaching.
Rebecca Sherlin is a logistical execution behind the scenes. From trailering horses and wrangling gear to keeping horses and humans alike on schedule and fed, Rebecca ensures the rest of us can focus on riding. Her devotion is central to every trip, lesson, and competition.
We are fortunate to be supported by friends who have taken on roles that go far beyond bystander. Jen, affectionately known as Electra’s “Godmother,” is often spotted hand-walking the big Dutch Warmblood when not helping with bathing and grooming of some very hairy Gypsy Vanners at a show! Steven, or “Manross” as we call him, is an all-hands helper, steady travel companion, and show-day problem solver. Whether they’re brushing horses, keeping nerves calm, or just being there, their contributions are irreplaceable.
Our trainers are incredible and we have an extensive group that we lesson or clinic with regularly. However 3 individuals are really core to our development and details about Patrick King, Molly Martin and Allison Kerivan are below.
We’d be remiss not to mention the countless other clinicians, bodyworkers, veterinarians, farriers, chiropractors, boarding barn staff, and fellow riders who round out this incredible team. Their influence, whether past or present, has left an imprint on our journey and we’re so grateful.
We call ourselves Team Sherlin not because of show records or talent, but because it really does take a team to pursue this passion. From those who muck stalls to those who cheer from the stands, we’re surrounded by people who lift us up, and we never take that for granted. You’ll find us not just riding horses, but raising each other up.
Thanks for letting us share a little bit of our world with you. We hope you see the same values reflected in our clinical work: partnership, perseverance, humility, and the power of showing up for one another.
Our Horses
Wynn Royalty Wins
Wynn Royalty Wins (“Fin”) is a young Gypsy Vanner who carries Leslie through the precision of dressage, both English and Western. Fin is very energetic and personable. He is currently working most on managing his emotions as a younger horse.
Clononeen Cashmere
Clononeen Cashmere (“Olaf”), also a Gypsy Vanner, was imported from the UK as a foal. Now in his late teens, Olaf continues to be a versatile partner for Mariska in dressage, as a jumper and on the trail.
Electra KF
Electra KF is a stunning Dutch Warmblood with a decorated history in the jumper world. Now a dedicated dressage partner for Leslie and Mariska, she requires thoughtful management due to past injuries—but continues to give her all in the arena.
Calabria
Calabria (“Bria”), owned by coach Allison Kerivan, is a promising young warmblood cross (Hanovarian and Holsteiner) just beginning her dressage career. Bria is ridden by Mariska as they prepare to make their show debut together in 2026. Like Fin, Bria has lots of emotions but already is showing some stunning movements. They could go all the way!
Our Coaches
Patrick King
Patrick King is a master horseman based in Virginia and a central figure in our training program. What began with occasional clinics has blossomed into an intensive coaching relationship. Thanks to technology, Patrick now coaches Leslie and Mariska several times per week via remote video lessons. He first introduced us to classical training on a life-changing trip to Portugal and continues to shape our horsemanship and philosophy every day.
https://pkhorsemanship.com/
Molly Martin
Molly Martin, of Martin Dressage Training, has coached the Sherlins for several years. A respected competitor and judge herself, Molly brings invaluable insight into the nuances of competition strategy and judge expectations, offering clear guidance that helps riders grow both in the saddle and as individuals.
https://martindressagetraining.com/
Allison Kerivan
Allison Kerivan is Mariska’s hunt seat coach and the owner of Bria. As a lifelong equestrian and professional trainer and judge, Allison played a critical role in Mariska’s return to riding after injury. She brings a depth of empathy and real-world wisdom to her coaching, becoming not just a trainer but a mentor to Mariska in every sense.
https://kerivanfarms.com/