My first ever pony ride was at a fair in Southampton, New York. In this moment, I realized I wanted to be an equestrian because I loved the feeling of being on a stunning and powerful animal. From the time I was four, I spent every summer in pony camp at Stoney Hill Stables in Amagansett, New York, where I rode school ponies and horses of all breeds and sizes. I made connections with all the horses and ponies in different ways–I got to know their personalities, tricks and quirks.
My first show was the Hampton Classic in lead line on a Welsh pony called Wiz. As I grew in my riding, I continued to show at higher levels. I got my first barn pony, Skittles, when I was thirteen, and began training with Ms. Greta Heimbold of Gilheim Stables out of Stony Hill Stables. Skittles took me through the 2’0 ft. This past academic year, I joined my local IEA team in Watermill, New York, which taught me how to ride pretty much any horse and to be a team player. This past winter, I had the opportunity to catch-ride a 16.1 hand mare at WEF, where I placed 5th in the hack out of 29 during Hunter Week. This upcoming season, I am aiming for the 3’0 ft with my new hunter horse, Yolo. My show schedule includes A circuit shows, including HITS-on-the-Hudson multiple weeks, Old Field in Satauket, the Hampton Classic, among others.
I am currently a junior at Bay Ridge Prep High School in Brooklyn, New York, where I maintain a B average and am in the honors theater program. Recently, I was inducted into the International Thespian Society, the only honor society for high school theater students. I have performed in every school play since freshman year as well as in the art showcase, which requires hours of commitment to after school rehearsals. In addition, I advocated for a girls’ soccer team, which the school had yet to organize, and played on the team last season. I am also an active member of the Student Activities Club, which plans a variety of events for the school community. I volunteer for an after-school soccer clinic for second graders, as well as volunteer as a leader for pony rides at my barn for the Stony Hill Foundation, which supports underprivileged children. Outside of school, I love spending time with my family, friends, my dog, Pippa, and of course, at the barn with my new horse and my old horse companions.
I am hoping to join a college team because I want to continue to grow in my riding. I love being in the ring and supporting my team and barn mates. My dream is to have the opportunity to bring my enthusiasm, positivity, skills, and courage to an IHSA team.
~ Gemma Essex