Postcard from the Saddle... Emlyn Broad - USA Bound

My name is Emlyn Broad. I am nearly 14 years old and live in Queensland.   

There have always been horses in our paddock but I didn’t start riding until about six years ago on a 20 year old Pinto mare called Chicky.  We started with training days at our local Western Performance Club and then progressed to points days.   It was like sitting in a lounge chair on Chicky and she really looked after me. We were never crowded on the rail because if a horse and rider got too close she would put her ears back and let them know in the nicest possible way to give us some space.  She tried her hardest to learn western pleasure. 

Not quite a year later I started on a beautiful Quarter Horse mare called My Gal Sal. She is a darling of a horse and so good to handle.  She looked lovely under saddle. We still have Sal because she is our special forever girl and is a pleasure to have around.  

In late 2008 when we weren’t even looking, a big paint gelding by the name of KRS Beggar Joe joined our family. Buddy hadn’t been ridden or shown for quite a while and we had a few things to work out but he was so willing and quickly got use to my short legs. At the 2009 Qld Paint State show we were the youngest in our age division but still managed to win a couple of classes. I was so proud of him.  At our first PHAA Nationals we won a few classes and in 2011 I was High Point Junior Youth. I couldn’t have been more proud of my boy.  Every two years the PHAA send a Youth team to compete at Forth Worth Texas in the AjPHA World Show.  I was lucky enough to be selected and have been fundraising in earnest to reach my goal.

Late last year Buddy went and hurt himself which required rest and getting fat in the paddock, both of which he is handling really well. A lovely and generous lady by the name of Christine Sewell came to my rescue and offered me her beautiful dual registered boy named Hypnotize (pictured right with Emlyn) for the year. Hypnotize (or Tiger as he is known) is only three but already has a very impressive show history. He is a multi state Quarter Horses and Paint halter futurity champion, 2010 High Point Paint halter horse and halter stallion of Australia, 2011 State Paint champion High Point two year old performance horse as a colt and was then gelded late in 2011. I then had the opportunity four months later to ride him.

I love the temperament and trainability of the western horse. Tiger is a joy to work with as he has such a lovely laid back nature. We have now completed a couple of shows with great success in both open and youth classes together and I think we have clicked really well. Tiger and I will compete at both AQHA Nationals and PHAA Nationals this year which is really exciting and then I am off to America.  

I love working horses and just being able to ride and work through correcting any issues. Sitting and watching trainers or good riders is great for learning and I always ask questions.  People are always so willing to help if they know you are interested.

While fundraising for my trip I have been blown away by the generosity of some of the local Western and Reining clubs and general public. The backing and support I have received has been phenomenal.  2012 is a very exciting year and with Tiger’s help I will savour every moment. 

Stay tuned for more on Emlyn and her journey to the USA! She competed last week at a Paint Youth Show, which we will be reporting on shortly and will be out this weekend at the Burpengary Western Performance Club 'A' and 'AA' Shows.