Sporthorse Spotlight: Mein Liebling

(My Darling in German)

“Tonka” was purchased by Emma last year, her first year as an adult amateur and right after graduating college. “He was the 23rd horse I rode when horse shopping and I just knew he was the one the second I saw him,” Emma said. Tonka was a rescue previously in his life and Emma said she is not even quite sure how old he is! But this Barbie Dream Horse with his long white mane and tail and golden body, has a larger than life personality.

“Tonka is extremely sensitive, especially mentally, and has taught me so much about not just horsemanship and riding, but also interacting with others. I am so thankful to have this pony in my life,” she said.

Recently, Tonka and Emma were champion at Training and First Level as well as reserve champion Adult Amature National Level Freestyle at the National Dressage Pony Cup. He has won multiple high points or reserve high points at shows and at the IDCTA Combined Training Championships, was champion Pre Starter and reserve champion Starter Novice. He was also champion AA Training Level All Breed and reserve champion Opening Training Level.

For AWSSR, he took third place in our 2019 Western Dressage Year End awards and showed at the 2019 WDAA World Championships. He is also a 2019 AWSSR Ambassador!

Primarily a dressage horse, Emma has also shown western dressage, dressage in hand, english pleasure and equitation, halter and in combined training events. He has also just begun a career in jumping and eventing.

“I am so thankful for an organization that is open to registering horses based on their performance where we are unsure of their pedigree,” Emma said. “For me, this means that where my horse came from is less important then what he is able to do. There is so much variety in the registry and I love meeting all of the other American Warmblood owners and fans at shows.”

Her advice to other American Warmblood owners?

“Try different disciplines, say hi to other AWSSR members at shows; there is so much that you can do with these amazing horses. I will always recommend volunteering as much as possible also. You never know who you will meet or what amazing opportunities you will get to have from volunteering! Also, working with a trainer who believes in you and your horse is the most amazing experience.”

“I am so thankful for my little man and cannot wait to see what we will be able to accomplish,” she said.