Wellington, FL – March 5, 2016 – Emma Kurtz had a banner day on Saturday, jumping to both Champion and Reserve Champion in the Equestrian Sotheby’s Small Junior Hunter 15 & Under Division. Kurtz piloted Evermore, owned by Rivers Edge, to first, second, and third place ribbons before winning both the stake and under saddle for top honors.
Emma Kurtz and Evermore. Photo: Sportfot
“It was a very good day,” said Kurtz. “He is amazing. He has such a great jump, is a good mover, and has a canter like a rocking horse. I just love him.”
Kurtz, 15, recently took over the ride on Evermore in the Junior Hunters this season after Scott Stewart competed the seven-year-old Bavarian gelding in the Pre-Green and First Year divisions. Despite their recent partnership and Evermore’s inexperience, Kurtz was pleased with how he performed.
“He is always brave and always jumps a good jump,” she said. “It was a little challenging with the four strides out of the turn today (on course). Being so green he doesn’t always sight in, but he was fantastic about everything.”
Kurtz swept the tricolor ribbons and collected Reserve Champion aboard Wisdom, also owned by Rivers Edge. The pair was first, third, and fourth over fences, second under saddle, and fourth in the stake class.
Emma Kurtz and Evermore in their championship presentation. Photo: Sportfot
While she has found success in the hunter ring, Kurtz will now begin focusing on her equitation with her top goal to find success in the George Morris Excellence in Equitation class, presented by Alessandro Albanese, during Week 11 at WEF.
The 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival concludes on Sunday featuring the $216,000 Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix CSIO 4* in the International Ring. The Low Children’s Hunter 2’6″ will award championship honors in Ring 12. For full results and more information, please visit www.pbiec.com.