Seventeen year-old Emma Edwards of Issaquah, Washington has had an exciting few weeks. First, earlier his week, Emma and her mount, Oughta Be Western (Harry) were NSBA Reserve Novice Youth World Champions in the horsemanship. The senior high school student says that despite the heat, the NSBA World Show was her favorite show. Edwards is also excited to tell us that she recently purchased, This Is Why Im Here (Jack) from amateur Jennifer Kyle of San Rafael, California.
“My NSBA Show went really well,” Emma told us. “I showed the western riding, showmanship and horsemanship. I ended up fifth overall in the Novice Youth Showmanship and I was Reserve Champion in the Novice Youth Horsemanship. It was really exciting.”
As far as her favorite wins with Harry, Emma says that the Sun Circuit Novice All Around award in January was at the top of her list because it was her first show with Nancy Renfro. “It showed me how much Harry and I had improved in such a short time. My other favorite win would be the one I got on Tuesday since I worked extremely hard with Nancy to improve my horsemanship this summer. My favorite thing about showing is seeing all the hard work pay off, and how much progress I have made between each show. Also, I really enjoy catching up with my horse show friends as I only get to see them a few times a year.”
Edwards says that her favorite part about working with Nancy Renfro is her attention to detail. “It is unbelievable. Nancy is always extremely calm, encouraging, and positive. She also gives the best pep talks before your class.”
Emma’s mother, Suzanne, agrees. “I have to give full credit to Janet Fraser who introduced us to Nancy Renfro.  We knew Nancy had a wonderful reputation in the industry and truly believed it would be the right program to enable Emma to show at a higher level–to help her become a more confident and accomplished rider. Best decision we have ever made!”
Emma’s mother also explains that she had a huge learning curve learning about the AQHA circuit and the western classes. Suzanne had only been exposed to English riding in her native Britain. “I had no idea what a western saddle was, let alone what it looked like, and was pretty overwhelmed by all the bling – I have come a long way!” Suzanne remarks.
The NSBA World was also bittersweet for Emma because she sold Oughta Be Western in Tulsa. “Harry has been a phenomenal novice youth horse for me, and I grew so much with him with Nancy. As hard as it was to say goodbye to him yesterday, I am also excited for him. One of Holly Hover’s select riders has bought him and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish. I could not have asked for a better home.”
Her new horse, This Is Why Im Here, didn’t have to go far since his former owner Jennifer Kyle also hauled with Renfro. “My favorite thing about Jack is his sweet personality. He is so smooth to ride, a showmanship machine, and an amazing all around horse. I also love his coloring. I will have noviced out of the majority of my events so my future plans with Jack are to show him in the Youth 14-18 all-around events.”
We asked Emma how it came about her being matched with Jack. “One day, I was at the barn and Nancy told me to hop on him for my NCAA video applications that I was doing at the time. Later that day, Nancy asked me what I thought about Jack and I thought it was strange that she was pressing me for answers. My mom didn’t want me to know he was for sale so I would have an unbiased opinion when I rode him. I went and told my mom later that day and she told me he was for sale. Nancy believed he was the perfect match for me for my youth 14-18 years. Also, my dad’s name is Jack, so it’s kinda meant to be.”
Suzanne adds, “We feel so incredibly lucky that Emma was given this amazing opportunity, by not only Nancy, but by Jennifer Kyle, too. I know how special Jack was to her.”
GoHorseShow spoke to Jennifer Kyle and she explained why she decided to sell Jack. The team amassed over 300 points and placed top 10 in the Amateur Showmanship last year at the world show and were also second place in the intermediate.
“It’s a time in my life where I really need to focus on my career,” Jennifer says. “I would also like to travel and see the world. Horse showing is a wonderful, consuming lifestyle. For me, if I couldn’t focus fully on it, it didn’t seem fair to Jack or my family.”
Kyle adds, “Emma is a beautiful rider and the Edwards’ family obviously love their horses like I do. I couldn’t be more thrilled to pass the baton on to a wonderful young woman who is also a hardworking and good person.”
Emma’s debut with Jack will be at the Emerald show in Washington in September. We wish the new team the best of luck and look forward to watching them progress and prepare for the major shows next year.
CLICK HERE to view Emma’s ad in the August issue of GoMag.
