Emily D’Ambrose’s love for horses was always obvious to her friends and family, so when she and her family moved to Florida four years ago, there was no stopping her from fulfilling her forever dream. Her riding adventures started with The Villages Polo Club. That’s when she began learning to ride.
Becoming a Montverde Academy student gave her an opportunity to explore the equestrian world of horse jumping. Coaches at MVA equestrian recognized her talent, presenting her with the MVP award.
In the summer of 2022, Emily made the difficult decision to leave the equestrian program at MVA. That’s when she began her journey at M&M Sporthorses LLC under the guidance of an amazing trainer and Grand Prix champion, Camille Maynard. With her guidance she decided to proceed with hunters, where the horse and rider jump a course and the judging is based on accuracy, grace, and elegance rather than a speed.
For the next four months, they would focus training and showing with the idea of competing at WEC’s 2023 Winter Spectacular Show Series! The premier 12-week series ran consecutively from January 4, 2023, through March 26. It was for the first time she showed at such a high level. With 67 riders competing in her division during those 12 weeks, there was no place for mistakes. It took hard work, determination and a lot of cookies for her pony Pebbles, show name Sedona.
Emily finished the winter circuit with 5 Champion, 3 Reserved Champion, and 3 Hunter Classic wins. With much anticipation, she awaited the announcement of Circuit winners. It was a dream come true! She did it! Emily placed first and won title of Champion in Short Stirrup Hunter 11 & under division.