3 Years, 3 Different Horses, 3 Wins: Emma Gore Wins 13 and Under Horsemanship at AQHA Youth World

By: Brittany Bevis

This AQHA Youth World Show marked a very special occasion for Emma Grace Gore, because she completed an impressive hat trick by winning 13 and under Horsemanship three years in a row, with three different horses! First, she won the class with her trusty roan mare, My Only Good Shoes, aka “Dottie.” Then, after Dottie sadly passed, Emma partnered up with Krymsun N Gold, aka “King.” Now, Emma is showing her relatively new all-around horse, KM Genuinely Best, or “Benny,” her partner for this most recent win.

Emma is only 13 years old, and she still has one more year of eligibility left in this division, so expect to see much more from this duo as they hone their skills.

“I’ve had him about two years,” she says. “I started out doing Trail with him, and then we started the all-around classes. This is our first year doing all of the classes, so to come out here and win is pretty nice.”

In her finals pattern, Emma made a plan with her trainers, Judd and Jennifer Paul, and she knew exactly what she needed to do to deliver a win. “I needed to find my markers and get them all right, which I got most of them. We pick out signs in the arena that I should ride to. I liked my extended lope, for sure, and then all of my transitions were really nice.”

Horsemanship is Emma’s favorite event, and she practices it every other day when she’s at home. “I practice keeping my elbows tight and heels down.”

Earlier at the show, Emma won 13 and Under Hunter Under Saddle with Assets Agenda. In addition, she was fourth in 13 and under Showmanship with Benny, Reserve in 13 and Under Trail with Benny, and Ninth in Equitation with Benny. Even though she had to compete in Horsemanship and Trail in the same day, Emma says Benny is super easy to prepare, and it was a breeze.

“He’s so calm. You don’t have to do anything extra with him for the back to back classes.”