The team at C U at X Tack, an equestrian emporium located in Wellington, was tickled pink at the recent Wellington Spring Classic dressage show when they spotted Francine “Fran” Shorr aboard Davina. Shorr was primed and prepped in her pink show coat, which was a standout in a sea of mostly black and blue riding jackets.
The Hoog sisters, Sarah and Katie, owners of C U at X Tack, were floored by Shorr’s outstanding light pink show jacket as she rode down centerline in the Prix St. Georges class on Davina, a flashy Oldenburg mare. They immediately knew that she would be the perfect recipient of their X-Factor Award. But only after giving Shorr the award did they truly learn the significance of her pink jacket.
Shorr shared details about her fight against breast cancer and explained that some of her friends had the pink show coat made in honor of her continuing battle. Shorr’s fight with breast cancer has been long and brutal. She has been through 13 different surgeries and numerous chemotherapy treatments. Yet, despite her arduous battle, she continues to pursue the sport she loves, dressage.
That perseverance and strength prevailed when Shorr not only competed successfully in the FEI Prix St. Georges class, but also received CU at X Tack’s X-Factor Award. The award is presented to one rider at each show based on their turnout. With her stunning and meaningful pink show coat, Shorr was the quintessential X- Factor recipient. She is not only a dressage competitor but also a USEF and Canadian dressage judge. She was awarded the X-Factor ribbon, a rhinestone-encrusted medal and a $50 gift card. Davina’s owner, Marilyn Carey, and Shorr’s husband, Loxahatchee Groves Vice Mayor Robert Shorr, were on hand for the presentation.
The Hoog sisters have been avid riders for more than 25 years. Their shared love of fashion and all things horses and dressage inspired them to start C U at X Tack. Their first-hand experience in dressage gives them a unique edge. This edge offers customers a fresh and unique shopping experience whenever they walk through the door. They created the X-Factor award to recognize riders who go above and beyond with their show ring presentation.
Shorr was touched to be recognized with the special award, just as her season with Davina was winding down. Davina will head home to North Carolina for the summer. Shorr herself hails from North Carolina. Four years ago, she met Robert Shorr while visiting for the winter horse show season. After a budding romance, Robert asked Fran what it would take to get her to stay in Loxahatchee Groves with him, rather than return to North Carolina. Her answer was, “a ring and a ring,” referring to a diamond engagement ring and a dressage riding ring.
Shorr said that she intends to continue her dressage show career with Davina next season. For the summer, she will travel to ride the mare monthly in North Carolina and also intends to relax and continue healing at home with her husband.
For more information about C U At X Tack and the X-Factor award, visit www.cuatxtack.com.
