Emma Stubblefield Wins Third Title at Her First APHA World Show in Novice Amateur Horsemanship

By: Brittany Bevis

Given that this is Emma Stubblefield’s first trip to the APHA World Show, she’s having quite a spectacular show so far. Already, she’s been crowned the World Champion in Novice Amateur Hunt Seat Equitation and the Reserve World Champion in Novice Amateur Hunter Under Saddle. This morning, she completed a hat trick by winning the Novice Amateur Horsemanship with her 11-year-old APHA gelding named “Hank.”

“He’s wonderful,” she says. “He’s a true all-around horse. He doesn’t do Showmanship; he doesn’t like it, but he’s a dream to ride. He’s so honest in the pen, and he’s 11 years old, so he’s shown his whole life.”

Stubblefield grew up showing horses in 4-H competition, but over the past year and a half has advanced into competing on a national level. Although there has been a bit of a learning curve, Stubblefield credits her trainer Tammy Mills with guiding her through that process.

“This is my first World Show,” she says. “I’ve gone to the Pinto World Show to practice, but this is my first time really coming in and wanting to accomplish some goals.”

“It’s really hard to pick an emotion, because I feel so many. I’m so grateful and thankful for my trainer and everyone who supports me. It’s unreal and unbelievable, and I couldn’t ask for anything more. This is my class. I’ve always loved Horsemanship. This was the won I wanted to win…”

Coming up next at the World Show, Stubblefield and Hank will compete in Novice Amateur Trail, Novice Amateur Western Riding, and Novice Amateur Western Pleasure. Following the World Show, she’s not quite sure what direction her horse showing career will take, because she has two exciting events coming up.

“I’m getting ready to graduate from Oregon State, and I’m going to get married!” she says. “I got engaged, two months ago, to my high school sweetheart. He was not raised with horses, but he has gotten to know them real fast! He’s a full time student as well, so he’s not here, but he would like to be. He’s been watching on the webcam.”

Our congratulations to Emma Stubblefield and Hank on having such an incredible World Show thus far! With her infectious smile, bubbly personality, and true appreciation for her fellow competitors, we’re sure she’s made many new friends in the Paint Horse industry.

We have to include one last quote we caught as Emma and Hank walked away… “I just got interviewed by THE EQUINE CHRONICLE!”

Novice Amateur Horsemanship–

1-Too Hot To/Emma Stubblefield

2-Elite Le Zipped Up/Evette Hart

3-This Sheik Rocks/Lacey Armstrong

4-Sheiks Winning Colors/Belinda Crisp

5-He’s Hot For Teachers/Brianna Slager