EN’s Rising Stars is a new weekly series about up and coming riders in the sport of 3-Day Eventing who are exceptional in their performances and personalities. Spotlighting riders under the age of 15, the series is meant to call attention to the next generation of talent before they even become Young Riders. Have a child, sibling or student who you think deserves some notice and praise? Tip me at [email protected]!
________
- Emma with her two fabulous horses
Name: Emma Tilghman
Age: 15
Hometown: Georgetown, KY (about 3 minutes from the Kentucky Horse Park)
Horse: Widespread Panic, 11yo TB, and Alpine Ski, 8yo RPSI gelding
Level of Competition: Training
How did you get started in Eventing? “I had been riding hunters for four years prior to starting eventing. When my hunter horse was diagnosed with stifle issues, I was on the search for a new horse. A close friend had recently started eventing and urged me to give it a try. I leased a 13.2-hand pony and decided to give it a whirl. I did one Beginner Novice unrecognized event and was hooked! We moved from Florida to Kentucky, found an eventing barn, and that was it! I loved it!”
Emma on Widespread Panic (photo by Le Tilghman)
Recent accomplishments? “I placed 1st on Widespread Panic in the training rider division at Jumpstart HT, which was our third training and fourth show together! We also placed 8th at the Hagyard/ Team Challenge Training Three-Day, which was my first lon- format event. We finished the year as Junior Rider of the Year with the MSEDA in my first year eventing. I was SO excited! What a fun year.”
Favorite thing about eventing? “I love how nice and supportive everyone is. No matter what place you end up in, everyone is still telling you how well you did or looked. Even your competition congratulates you, which isn’t something you see in many disciplines. Everyone in this sport is so supportive, friendly, and fun. I definitely like cross country the best! It is so thrilling and it is just you and your horse. I have to say show jumping is my least favorite. Hunters and the show jumping phase are two very different worlds, so I tend to struggle there the most.”
Emma on Alpine Ski (photo by Howard Moore)
Plans for the future? “I dream of going to NAJYRC! I hope to eventually start a business when I get older. This is what I want to do every day. Going to the Rolex or Olympics would be nice too! One can always dream!”
