Masterton horsewoman Emma Williams is making a name for herself at New Zealand's premier show jumping competition, the Horse of the Year Show at Hastings.
In 2004 Williams won the Pony of the Year title and while success evaded her this year she still grabbed the limelight by placing third in
the highly competitive Young Rider of the Year class, open to riders under the age of 21yrs.
Williams, 18, was one of just five competitors to go clear in the first round of the Young Rider section last weekend and thereby qualify for the second round. There her mount Cricklewood Ace put one rail down which placed her third overall.
"It was probably more my fault than anything else," Williams said of the mistake which cost the combination four penalty points.
"There was a slight error of judgement and that's all it takes for a rail to go."
Williams was a "bit surprised" by Cricklewood Ace's strong showing in such esteemed company although wins in young rider classes at shows held in Masterton and Taihape had given her hope of a bold bid.
"He's been going fantastic and I knew that he was in the sort of form which could take us pretty close," Williams said.
"You never know in competitions like this though, it all depends on what happens on the day."
Williams, who is studying accountancy at Massey University, intends to follow the Grand Prix show jumping circuit with Cricklewood Ace next season and is confident he will measure up well there."He's only nine so there is plenty of scope of improvement ," she said.
