Emily Tears

Emily Tears, 21, resides in Orange County, California. She trains with Karen Ball of European Equestrian Concepts. Although fortunate to have grown up riding family horses, it was at age 13 when Emily took her first dressage lesson and discovered a passion for the sport
     Emily is currently competing her own horse Lopaca, an 8 year old Holsteiner gelding, who with the help of her trainer has developed him from training level to Prix St. George. Through the process she has had success in both USDF and AHHA year end standings as well as numerous high point awards. She has also had the opportunity to participate in the USEF developing horse program for 5, 6, and currently 7-9 year olds.
    In 2007, Emily was a member of the Region 7 Gold Medal Young Rider Team at the NAJYR Championships in Lexington, Virginia. Her mount for the championships was Luciano, a 14 year old Holsteiner gelding owned by Jill Cordsen. Luciano was generously offered to Emily because it was her last year of age eligibility for the Young Rider championships.
    Another competition partner for Emily is Cashel’s Rock of Ages, a 19 year old Connemara Stallion owned by Kathy Lucas of Gately Farms. The pair has progressed together from first level to participating in the Young Rider program. Cashel’s Rock of Ages was honored as the 2007 ACPS “Horse of the Year”. Additionally, Emily earned her USDF silver medal in 2007.
    In addition to riding, Emily is a full time student and intends to transfer to Cal Poly Pomona as an Animal Science/Equine emphasis major. She looks forward to pursuing dressage goals as an amateur rider while she finishes college, and then hopes to begin a career within the dressage community. Emily would like to express her appreciation to The Dressage Foundation for allowing her the opportunity to learn and participate in the Olympic Dream program.