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Emma Gurley, 20, of Rutherfordton and her longtime partner, Latino, claimed their first derby win together recently in the International Stadium at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) scoring 180 over two rounds in $15,000 USHJA Junior/Amateur National Hunter Derby presented by The Farm House.
Gurley and her own 2005 Swedish Warmblood gelding (Lasandos x Adora MB) were fourth after the first round and walked into the handy test determined to perform at their best, she recapped.
"The first round was really good, and we scored an 87. He went in and he performed very well; he jumped great," Emma said. "But I wanted to do better because we were sitting in fourth coming back into the Handy round. I think he wanted to win as much as I did. He was so in tune with me, and it was one of the best rounds I've ever had with him."
Though the pair have had much success together, this win in particular was a long-time goal.
"We've been partners for five years, and we've always come close to winning derbies, but this was our first big Derby win," Emma said. " I was really glad it was at Tryon in the beautiful International Stadium. It was lovely to compete there."
Gurley and "Tino" know each other very well after years of competing together in the Children's Hunters, Junior Hunters and Equitation divisions.
"He's a very long horse, so I have to manage a lot. He's 17.3 hands and I'm 5'3". So, I have to manage a lot of horse over a lot of ground. I feel like it just finally really clicked in that big stadium of just keeping the consistent rhythm and riding out of that. It just allowed him to jump fabulously as well," she said.
In addition to winning the $15,000 USHJA Junior/Amateur National Hunter Derby presented by the Farm House, Gurley and Latino were also champions in the Amatuer/Owner Hunter 3'3" Division and Classic winners, topping off a bucket list competition weekend.
"I just love riding in these rings. It's beautiful. The jumps are always nice, and it just really makes you feel important, whenever the derbies are held in those stadiums. I also love showing my jumper here, too. We got to ride in the Tryon Stadium this weekend, and it was a lot of fun as well."
Emma said on her Facebook post after the win, , "Horse of a lifetime. Tino jumped his heart out for me in the $15,000 Jr/Am National Hunter Derby! With a first round score of 87 and a 93 in the handy to secure the win. Tino you are an incredible athlete at 18 years old and the best partner. He wanted this win as badly as I did it seems. Thank you to everyone who has shaped my riding career and supported me. Thank you to Ashley Bailey and Anchor Way Farm for all your time and effort. And to my parents who have encouraged me to chase my dreams."
Emma is the daughter of Dan and Carolyn Gurley of Rutherfordton and she attends Emory & Henry College in Emory, Virginia. She is a 2021 graduate of Polk County High School.
