Emily Schexnayder Miller of New Roads, Louisiana is excited to be back in the show pen. After a short stint showing paints, Miller took a long break from showing horses, but recently decided she wanted to resume her love of horses and showing on the quarter horse circuit. Miller has two great mounts this year including rising star, Willy Has Potential (Willy) and a true veteran, Rip City Zip (Zippy).
“I haven’t shown in a long time, so, it’s really fun and challenging for me to get back in the ring,” says Miller, who is a recent newlywed. “I have certain goals I’m shooting for, but, most importantly, it’s to enjoy the shows, my horses, and having the opportunity to make such great friends. I’m also looking forward to having my husband come to shows. Even though he is oblivious to the horse industry, it’s very nice to have someone very supportive and a great motivator on my team besides my family and friends.”
Her new horse, Willy Has Potential, is a four year-old bay hunter under saddle horse by Good I Will Be that was purchased by Highpoint trainer, Jason Martin, during the Rita Crundwell Dispersal Sale. Willy was the recent unanimous winners of the Open Maturity Hunter Under Saddle, Junior Hunter Under Saddle, and Amateur Hunter Under Saddle at the Silver Dollar Circuit in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“When I first saw him, Beth Case was riding him in the arena at Highpoint, and I thought he was such a gorgeous horse,” says Emily, who helps run her father’s family business–which includes a sugar plantation in Louisiana. “He’s such a sweet and talented horse, and I’m really looking forward to showing him this year and many years to come.”
Miller will be showing her other mount, Rip City Zip (Zippy), in the Novice Amateur Western Riding, Western Pleasure, Horsemanship, Trail, and Western Riding. “It’s such an honor to ride such an amazing horse that teaches me as we go along,” Emily states. “I have never shown the western riding, so, the Silver Dollar Circuit was our first time out, and I couldn’t have been more pleased. Zippy is a very smart ‘old man’ that knows his job very well.”
Miller adds, “Both horses are a pleasure to ride and I honestly couldn’t be happier with any other horses. I learn so much from them–every ride is a great ride, and I just try to improve myself as much as possible for the next show. Showing is a great stress relief for me, and I enjoy the connection I have with the horses.”
Emily’s sister, Jennifer, and mother, Kathy, also show with Highpoint, but they compete on the APHA circuit.
“Even though our shows are separated, we enjoy riding together. I’m really looking forward to having my mom come to shows this year with me since I missed out on the paints for the past few years,” Emily says. “It’s a great time for us to all be away from work and enjoy each others company and accomplishments. I look up to them for extra pointers in the show ring and take all the advice I can since they have been competing longer than I have.”
Emily says that what she loves the most about Highpoint is the patience they have with her since she is a novice rider.
“I like that every step my horse and I take is critiqued,” says, Emily, who showed briefly as a youth on the quarter horse circuit. “I’ve always said that constructive criticism is the best way to make a person stronger and to strive more to reach those certain goals. When I’m there in Texas, we start off early in the morning and ride all day. Take a lunch break, then, saddle back up for afternoon practice. It’s an overall wonderful experience.”
Miller adds, “Over the years I’ve always looked up to my parents as my mentors, both hard working, loving and dedicated to their businesses. I’ve learned that it takes hard work and dedication in life to be prosperous, so, I try to use those same goals for the horses as well. Without them, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to be with my dream trainers at Highpoint. It’s the best feeling to be so welcomed, and I’m honored to be able to ride with some of the top trainers out there.”
Look out for Emily with Willy and Zippy at all the major shows this year including the Novice Championship Show and Congress!
CLICK HERE to check out her ad in the March issue of GoMag.
Photos © Shane Rux
