About
Early experience
Born and raised in the California Bay Area, Emily began her serious dressage and horsemanship education when she joined her local Pony Club in Saratoga, California at age 12. She gained a valuable foundation in teaching, competing, and understanding correct horsemanship. She plans to continue giving back to Pony Club for as long as possible!
Emily spent several years in Wellington, Florida working for top barns, including an Olympian, as trainer and barn manager. Currently, Emily has relocated back to California and is able to travel to ride and teach in the South Bay Area, as well as Monterey County and Carmel Valley.
Competition Success
Beginning with an adorably bratty pony at Training level, Emily began her competitive dressage journey at age 13. With her first horse, London, and ex-show jumper, Emily moved up the levels with him to earn her USDF Bronze Medal at age 17.
Emily earned several scores of 70%+ for her first time competing at 4th level. After a successful show season at 4th level in 2018, Emily earned her Silver Medal with Firmamento in January 2019, with scores to 66.7%. In 2021, Emily competed in her first Small Tour CDI 1*, with a strong second place finish in a class of seasoned professionals. View full score record.
A passion for teaching
With a colorful background teaching competitive clients, amateurs, children, and multi-discipline riders, Emily understands the importance of horsemanship and diversity. No matter what your riding goals are, Emily has experiience with riders of all backgrounds, ages and ambitions. Emily's BA in Psychology, allows her to understand the different needs of horses and riders as unique individuals. If your goal is to have the utmost enjoyment and harmony with your horse, in or out of the ring, Emily is happy to support you!
The Mission
Emily seeks to promote a supportive and positive environment for both clients and professionals within the dressage industry. She sees a better way forward for the mental health and the inclusivity of both those in the horse industry and horse lovers in general. She seeks to promote awareness and open discussion of this issue through articles, social media, and financial support for those in need. In addition, Emily is passionate about horses as therapy for those with PTSD, Autism and otherwise utilizing horses as teachers for those coming from any background. Through her work with Pony Club at a young age, Emily understands the essential role horses play in self-development at any age.
Accolades and Accomplishments
With a vast array of knowledge and experience, every horse and rider grows, learns, and succeeds.
Awards
USDF Silver Medalist
USDF Bronze Medalist
United States Pony Club National “B” Certified
USDF Performance Awards
Titles
CDI 1* Small Tour - 2nd Place - 65.4%
2021
National Pony Championships - 1st Place - 69.5%
2021
CDS JR/YR 4th level Champion
2018
USDF JR/YR Region 7 3rd level Champion
2017
USPC National 1st level and 1st level freestyle
2015
USDF JR/YR Region 7 2nd level Reserve Champion
2015
CDS JR/YR First level Region 7 Championship, 3rd place
2015
CDS JR/YR Training Level, 3rd place
2014
Furthering Education
Continuing education is a vital component of improving training and overall dressage skills.
Emily has trained with many different professionals, and is always looking to further her education within the dressage industry.
In the News
Training accountability with Laura Graves
Graves proceeded to help Smith from the ground, encouraging her to stay entirely relaxed...
Five Young Riders to Participate in 2022 International Dream Program Trip to Wellington
The Dressage Foundation is pleased to announce that five...
Lucky Strike...finds new home in Wellington
Lucky Strike, a 14-year old Hanoverian who was the 2019 U.S. Small Tour Champion...
Our Sponsors
We are so proud and grateful to be sponsored by the equestrian clothing boutique, Dressage Queen Dream. Their products are the highest quality and elegence and personally tested to ensure the comfort and durability.