It all started with a horse named Butter, or Mr. Butterball to be more accurate.
I started riding horses when I was about 5 years old. I walked then trotted then the big day came when I cantered. My coach Kelly knew I was ready for my own horse when I was about 9. That is when I met Butter, a palomino Canadian Sport horse. Butter and I were on an eventing team. He was sassy and bossy just like any pony. Butter gave me the passion to keep riding, to keep trying, and inspired me to grow in horsemanship and equitation. When I was 13 Butter and I made the switch to Hunter Jumpers and began training with Cassie Belmont with whom I am still lucky to train. Two horses, hundreds of schooling hours, many, many rated shows later and here I am: preparing to ride for an NCAA Equestrian Team.
In 2019, I was doing cross rails but in those years (including the pandemic year) I have progressed to the point where I will be competing at the 3’3″ Hamel Medal at the NHS next month in Kentucky, and I was top 12 in both USHJA Jumping and Hunter Seat West Finals last month at the Blenheim Jumping Festival. My goal is to move up to compete at the 3’6″ level in November. Other career highlights include several Championship and Reserves at the 2’6, 2’9, 3’0 levels, CPHA Horsemanship champion in 2021, age group equitation champion (15-17) at Murieta and Reserve at Blenheim, competing as IEA team rider for Intermediate over fences at IEA Nationals 2022 (our team placed 3rd overall), among others that are on my resume. So, you can see that I have put in a lot of time and energy into succeeding at our sport and will continue to do so throughout my career.
I am currently a junior at Connections Academy, California, an entirely online school where I started this year. I am maintaining a GPA well over 3.0. Although I miss my school friends, I am able to spend a great deal of time at the barn schooling my horse and others as needed, and yes, riding Butter in our backyard.
I am passionate about horses and look forward to dedicating my life to their care and enjoyment, whatever form that takes. I cannot wait share my enthusiasm, hard work and skill with my new team.
~ Emma Wright