1.) What are some of the highlights and successful moments in the 2015 show season for you?
2015 National Champion PB Reining Seat Equitation 15-18
2015 National Champion HA Trail JTR
2015 National Champion HA Trail JOTR
2015 National Reserve Champion HA Reining JOTR
Markel Youth National Highpoint Champion and Reserve
6 Working Western Top Tens
2 Working Western Regional Champions
National and Regional Champions and Reserve Champions in Halter, Hunt Seat Eq, Hunter Under Saddle, Showmanship, Horsemanship and Sport Horse.
2.) Who has been your biggest influence in the Arabian breed in getting you to where you are today?
I was first introduced to the breed when I bought my first purebred Arabian, Primadona who I called “Abby.” Looking for a trainer to help Abby and I reach a competive level, everyone told us we had to go to Karla Moffitt. Her training facility at the time was 2 hours away from my house, but after a few lessons I knew it was the place I was meant to be. Karla took the time to develop me from a backyard rider to a nationally competitive rider. As I learned more and more, Karla found horses that met my needs, taught me how to use my legs and slide to a stop saying “whoa!” Karla and all my horses have shaped me and led me on an incredible journey to this point.
3.) If someone were to describe you, what would they say about you?
I wasn’t really sure how to answer this question so I asked my best friend what she would say and I am truly humbled to hear her words: “Emilia is the hardest working girl I have ever met. She wakes up with the sun to feed and care for her horses, cows, dogs and bunnies on her property before most people her age are even out of bed. She is always game for learning new things. Starting out with Abby as a hunter, Emilia developed her riding talents to reining, trail, horsemanship, showmanship and halter. I really admire that Emilia never stops learning and pushing herself to meet new goals even after successfully winning multiple national champions.”
4.) Name one show ring quirk you have:
I don’t really have any showring quirks, but I do have one special horseshow tradition! At every horseshow my friends and I always find time to play tackle football! We will take over the arena late at night after everyone is gone or find a field out back during lunch! This tradition helps get my nerves out and ready to compete!