Dakota Emery (Yasmin Emery-Brownlie, trainer) piloted Judy Tapson’s Delmar in the USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Golden Gate Classic (July 4-8), clinching the win with an overall score of 163. “This was our first hunter derby win together,” Dakota said. “We imported this horse a couple of years ago for a client and he’s only about seven-years-old. My plan in the first round was simple. I planned to take all the higher options and stay on a nice rhythm. There was a bending line right in front of the judges' box where I really had to ride up for nine strides, but it worked out well.” Dakota returned with confidence for the handy round, knowing she could put her experience from equitation and jumpers into use. “The handy round was easier for me because I did a lot of medal finals and jumpers over the years,” she explained. “I really enjoy rollbacks and challenge of making those neater turns. There was an inside turn to a higher option and I was proud that we pulled it off.” In the handy round, Dakota was in her comfort zone and her experience paid off. She took a bold inside track, which wowed spectators and judges alike, sealing the win with a handy score of 87. “I was so lucky to be able to ride such a nice horse in a beautiful environment here at Woodside,” she said. “I was really happy to win, and my mom was proud too.” Dakota, a young professional, was proud of the win as was her mother and co-trainer, Yasmin. “Dakota took a few years off of riding to go to college,” Yasmin explained. “Now, we work together and she’s my co-trainer. I could not be excited to work with her. This was our first time returning to Woodside in a quite a while and I’m impressed with how the footing has improved and the overall facility.” Stay tuned for additional news and updates throughout the Woodside Summer Series!
