Our Featured Adult Rider of the Month is Emma Wicks
Emma has been riding since she was nine years old She started at a Western barn in Manitoba and then tried out English riding at another barn, in British Columbia, in her teens. Her family moved around a lot growing up so she never had the chance to ride consistently until she joined Lancers in the spring of 2017, as an Adult Member.
Emma is an active member of Lancers. In the almost three years she has been a member she has volunteered to do night hay, worked and competed in the Downtown Horse Show, and completed her Riders Levels 1 to 3. She enjoys the variety of people she gets to meet at Lancers. “I love how Lancers breaks down age barriers. There are people of all ages at Lancers with a vast array of skill levels, and everyone respects each other. There are young riders teaching and barn monitoring the adult lessons, kids and adults testing for Rider Levels and competing in shows together, and they go to each other for help and advice. No one says "No, you can't do that because you're too young/too old"
Of all the memories she has gained at Lancers, Emma’s favourite is from last year's Downtown Horse Show. “I was sick with nerves leading up to when I entered the ring for the first time, but Rainey was stellar as we made it through our jumping rounds, claiming 2nd place in one of them. However, during our flat round, Rainey tripped and we both went face-first into the mud. Thankfully, I was still able to stick around for the rest of the day to help out and watch the other riders. I think the combination of experiencing both the highs and the lows of a horse show is what makes this memory special to me.”
Despite the fall Rainey continues to be Emma’s favourite Lancer horse. “She is the sweetest horse at the barn (in my opinion) and I have a soft spot for horses that like to cuddle. Even though we've had some tumbles, which hasn't endeared her to my family at all, I still love riding her and her willing attitude during lessons.”
Emma hopes to become a lifelong Lancer and increase her involvement with the barn and our community in the future. “There are so many aspects to the impact Lancers has had on my life. It has brought back my intense childhood love for horses and riding. It has given me the confidence to learn new skills and keep pushing myself to grow each year. And it has surrounded me with wonderful people and a caring and welcoming community.”
Emma is a wonderful student who is always seeking new ways to learn and the horses seem to love her quiet thoughtful riding. She is always pleasant to have around, and we are delighted to hear she wants to increase her involvement at Lancers.
