The Winter Equestrian Festival showcases a variety of riders, from the young pony kids to the professional Grand Prix jumpers. This season, we wanted to highlight some of the amateur riders that are competing every day in multiple arenas around PBIEC!

Be sure to check out each week’s “Amateur Hour” edition.

Meet this week’s athlete: Emily Fitzgerald

Hometown:

Calgary, AB, Canada

Horses:

New Boy de Logerie “French Fry”, a 17-year-old Selle Francais Stallion &
Caesar A “Caesar Salad”, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood Gelding

How long have you been riding for?

Not long enough! Just about 11 years now.

What is a fun fact about each of your horses?

French Fry loves to stop and smell the flowers. And the hedges, and also the trees. Caesar Salad is a huge chicken when it comes to bird! They scare the daylight out of him, especially the white ones.

Who do you train with?

I ride with Ian Millar, Amy Millar, Jonathon Millar, and Kelley Soleau-Millar at Millar Brooke Farm in Perth, Ontario, Canada.

How long are you at WEF for?

I’m here the whole season, but occasionally will go home to visit. Luckily, people love to come visit me here!

What divisions are you competing in this season?

I’m competing in the Medium Amateur Owner Jumpers, the High Amateur Owner Jumpers, and hopefully the Hermès U25 Grand Prix Series.

What is a career highlight of yours?

This past summer, I was reserve champion in the 1.40m division at Palgrave with French Fry!

What is your favorite place at WEF?

Pony Island! It’s like heaven, there’s SO many ponies!

What is your favorite SNL event?

The CSI 5* Grand Prix events are really cool to watch.

Who is your favorite professional rider to watch?

All of my trainers! I love watching and learning from them.

What is your favorite non-horse show thing to do in Florida?

Anything, as long as I am laying in the sun!

Good luck this season Emily!