Dedication and determination are two qualities that have made junior Emma Fiala the talented equestrian she is today. For the last 11 years, Emma has been riding 6 days a week, and she even sacrifices sleeping in on Saturday mornings to wake up at 6:30 to go to the barn. For 2-3 hours every day she rides her horse, Emerson, at Baskin Farms. Emerson is a chestnut-colored, warmblood horse that Emma has formed a special bond with through countless hours of practice and competitions. Competing is a fun way for Emma to see all of her hard work and commitment pay off.

“I compete about once or twice a month but more often in the summer, I compete in the junior hunters as well as some jumper classes. I’ve been going to Wellington, FL for the past two years for a show series called Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) and I plan to go this year. My horse stays down there for about a month and I travel down there on the weekends to show. It’s difficult to keep up with school, but the experience is so much fun and worth it!” said Fiala.

Horse-back riding has always been a part of Emma’s life and she is considering continuing her riding career in college. Her passion drives her to keep riding and always striving to improve. The countless hours Emma has poured into horse-back riding have greatly shaped her character.

“I’ve learned from the responsibility of caring for a horse. Riding horses has taught me patience, determination, humility, and dedication. I don’t get an “off season” because my horse needs care 24-7, so I have learned great work ethic from constantly going out to the barn and working hard even when I don’t feel like it,” said Fiala.

Horse-back riding has become like therapy to Emma, and can help relieve her stress during a busy school week. Emma’s awesome bond with her horse is what makes her time at the barn so special, and inspires her to make the sacrifices she does to keep coming back to the barn day after day.