Emma Smith

Sep 20, 2023 | chronofhorse.com | Camilla Mortensen |Sara Bradley |Sarah K. Susa |Emma Smith

Horses are roughly 10 times the size of us as humans. That’s obvious; we all know that. But how often do we really think about the implications of our size difference? In a heartbeat, a horse could overpower and crush a person, probably without much effort. And yet, they don’t. They let us control their entire lives, from stalling them to their turnout to putting metal in their mouths while sitting on their backs and dictating maneuvers for them to perform.

Sep 15, 2023 | chronofhorse.com | Sara Bradley |Sarah K. Susa |Emma Smith |Lauren Sprieser

It was 8 on a misty morning, and I was holding reins and a whip, looking between a set of pricked bay ears. I was poised and waiting for the sound of the start bell—and I was definitely wondering how I got there and why the heck I was wearing a dress. Even with Cairo retired and pregnant, I had nonetheless started the summer planning some sort of show season. But instead of competing, I found myself checking scores online and following along wistfully on Instagram.

Sep 11, 2023 | chronofhorse.com | Virginia Daffron |Sarah K. Susa |Rose Keller |Emma Smith

Dressage wears its adherence to tradition like a badge of honor, but just because we are loyal to the old ways doesn’t mean our sport can’t benefit from evolving as well. Rising trot is a place we can, and should, do that. Along with many of you, I read Natalie Lamping’s article “Permission To Post: A Case For Allowing Rising Trot Through Fourth Level” with great interest and attention. I’m a trainer, fit, relatively middle aged, and blessedly free from physical maladies.

Sep 6, 2023 | chronofhorse.com | Mollie Bailey |Rose Keller |Emma Smith

The U.S. Equestrian Federation has announced the opening of the recruitment process for the U.S. dressage technical advisor position. Previous technical advisor Debbie McDonald, who first assumed the role in 2018 and was reinstated in February, announced in July that she would step down Aug. 1. She discussed her reasons with the Chronicle later that month.

Aug 30, 2023 | chronofhorse.com | Rose Keller |Emma Smith

Dressage4Kids and Anne Baber Wallis have announced that the recipients of the $25,000 D4K Christian Kennedy Scholarships for 2024 are Nash Gagnon and Quinn Ridgway. The D4K Christian Kennedy Scholarships are awarded in memory of Christian Kennedy. Kennedy’s legacy is one of love—love for the horse, a spirit of respect between trainer and rider, and love and understanding that builds a bridge between the rider, the trainer, and parents.