Emmeline Adamick has her eyes set on stepping onto the podium as a winner at this year's Gotham North/FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC) presented by USHJA. Set to take place at Traverse City Horse Shows’ Flintfields Horse Park, Adamick shares what makes this event so special to her and fellow competitors alike.
Serving as the only FEI-recognized youth championship in North America, NAYC gives young and aspiring athletes an opportunity to compete in a format similar to senior championships. Qualification for the annual event is something many athletes chase throughout the year, including Adamick herself who will compete in the Young Rider category.
“It's a very special championship for me because all of the hard work I have put into the years goes towards this one event,” said Adamick, who made her first NAYC appearance in 2022. “It feels great to show up and show off everything that I've done, and I’ve always had a great time competing at Traverse City.”
Athletes often get their first taste of team competition at NAYC, and it’s that firsthand exposure that sets them up for success. Having experience competing on a team before, Adamick shares the invaluable knowledge she’s learned about handling the pressure that comes with it.
“I find that because I am so determined to do well, I put a lot of pressure on myself. When I start overdoing it and try too hard, and that’s when I start to make mistakes,” she explained. “So, I've really learned to become more disciplined and focused on my job, and I really try to focus on riding my horse and be being present during my ride.”
With aspirations to ride on senior Nations Cup teams, Adamick, who trains with Kyle King, serves as a testament to the event and the purpose it serves for athletes across the continent. “It teaches us how to handle that external noise and allows you to learn how to focus on yourself,” she said.
“It's a really great opportunity for me and all the other young riders to be in that team environment and learn how to ride with other teammates as well.” Adamick shared. “It’s a really good feeling to know that I'm riding for other people and we get to work together to make our goals a reality out there.”
Adamick’s journey with her NAYC mount, Apollo Z, a 2014 Zangersheide gelding (Aktion Pur Z x Carlaya Z), owned by Hawk Hollow Farm, LLC, proves not just her resilience in the saddle but passion for growth within the sport of jumping. Starting their partnership on the rockier side, she explained how hard she’s worked to grow and improve the trust in their partnership.
“There were a lot of things about his rideability which made him challenging. He is super sensitive; he doesn't really like traffic, and you can't really move your body around on him.” said Adamick of the gelding she’s been developing herself since he was eight years old.
“There's a lot of moving parts you have to put together with him. I think now, I finally figured out the way to ride him, and he's so happy doing what he loves,” Adamick said of Apollo, who she often calls “Polly Pocket.” “He is the most amazing horse; he’s super-fast, careful, and he tries so hard.”
NAYC has been implemental to Adamick’s development as a competitive rider. She is grateful for the experiences and knowledge she’s gained throughout the years. With Apollo stepping up to the 1.50m level, Adamick plans on keeping her mount comfortable and confident with a goal to go clear for her and her team. The pair are set to go after their dreams of earning a spot on the FEI Youth Nations Cup Final team.