Wilmington, Ohio – This week’s Wilmington Sunday Spotlight shines on the 17-year-old rider from Columbus, Ohio, Emma Linton. The junior athlete is a frequent competitor in the Sanctuary at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington with her top jumper mounts, Jenni’s Chance (Clinton x Florida S.C.H) and Victory Rw Broekkant Z (Vigo D’arsoullies x Evolution). We caught up with the young rider to learn more about her career long journey with True Course and her passion for the sport.
WEC: How did you get started riding?
My friends had birthday parties at little lesson barns when I was younger, and we would take lessons just on the lunge line. I loved it so I made my mom get me lessons! I just flatted for three years and then I found True Course. I started with them about six or seven years ago. I started in the cross rails with Sarah Ash and have moved all the way up to where I am now. I started leasing my first horse and moved right into the 2’6″.
WEC: Tell us about your horses, Jenni’s Chance and Victory Rw Broekkant Z.
I have had ‘Jenni’ for two and a half years now. She is a 15-year-old Belgian Warmblood. She is amazing. She used to jump the grands prix and has moved down now with me. I do her in the 1.20m. She wants to win! She loves to go very fast and always wants to be clean. She is so cool. I have done two indoors seasons with her and she was amazing this past fall.
I imported ‘Vinny’ a month or two ago and he is an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood. He is brand new to us. He was doing the 1.50m with a professional in Europe. I have been doing him in the 1.20m and actually did him in the 1.30m for the first time this week! He was so good. He is the complete opposite of Jenni, he is very slow, but awesome. I want to move up to the 1.45m with him before I go to college.
WEC: How has WEC been influential for you and your horses?
WEC is great. My first time showing here was in the 2′ and I was so nervous because this place is so big and so cool! I won the classic that week and got the cooler and thought it was just the coolest thing ever. We come here so much so I am so comfortable here. I always feel like I can go in and have a lot of fun with my horses.
WEC: What are your goals for 2024?
I want to have fun! I want to move up with Vinny and get to know him better. We are doing a lot of big shows over the summer, and I am really excited about those. I am applying to college now and I would love to stay local to still ride with True Course if I can. I would like to ride at school if I can, maybe on an IHSA team!
WEC: What is your favorite part about the sport?
I just love working with the horses. I am a groom for Michaella [Gerlacher] at home and at a few shows here and there. I love taking care of them, being around them and making sure they are all well taken care of. I groomed at the shows too for a while and now I do a few days during the week at home and then ride my two.
Thank you, Emma, for taking the time to speak with us! We wish you continued success with your horses and look forward to seeing you back in Wilmington!
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Results can be found at horseshowing.com.
All horse show images are provided by Winslow Photography and can be purchased onsite at WEC – Wilmington or online through their website.