Simsbury Freshman Named Champion in Wellington Equestrian Festival

From The Ethel Walker School:

Walker's equestrian Emma Crate '19 was named Champion in the 12-14 Equitation division at the 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world. She also placed third in the 14-and-under Taylor Harris Medal.

Emma is one of a few Walker's equestrians competing in the distinguished show, which lasts until April and attracts the best and most experienced riders from around the world.

"Emma is a very dedicated and goal oriented student," says Director of Riding and Head Riding Instructor Hillary Rheinheimer. "Her determination and love for the sport has contributed to her top placings in Wellington. We are all very proud of her and wouldn’t be surprised if she wins more ribbons between now and the end of the Festival in April."

Emma has been riding for 11 years. “I’ve been so lucky to have phenomenal trainers. Hillary does a great job of keeping my horse in shape and of changing her teaching style to fit every individual and their horse; riders always understand what she want them to do and learn. Walker’s equestrian program is also really great at teaching horsemanship.”

Emma also placed in her first jumper classic. “I got 7th and won 125 dollars, which was very exciting, says Emma. “This was such a big deal because in the jumpers you first have to make it through the first round (which is going around one course without knocking any rails down) and then you get to go to the jump off, where you have to go around a much shorter course at a much faster pace and try to not knock any rails down. This was the first time I had not knocked any rails down which was so exciting!”

The Wellington Equestrian Festival (WEF) is the largest and longest running equestrian competition in the world. It runs from January to April, and includes Grand Prix show jumpers as well as polo, dressage, and thoroughbred races. Held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, it attracts more than 3, 2,800 riders from 49 states and 30 countries.

Photo: Emma Crate and her horse, Moose.