DOTHAN, The Wiregrass has a young rider making big strides on the global stage.
Twelve-year-old Emalyn Quiller recently returned from Oklahoma City, where she competed at the prestigious Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show — an event considered the height of competition for Morgan riders around the globe. She rode in the Walk-Trot Western Pleasure and Equitation division for riders ages 10–11.
Her passion for horses began at just 5 years old, thanks to her grandmother, who introduced her to the show ring. This year marked a major milestone — her first-ever world championship appearance.
“It was definitely nerve-racking at first, but it was so much fun,” Quiller said with a smile. “Getting to carry the flag in the arena was the best part — such an honor!”
Success at this level demands dedication: long hours of riding practice, caring for horses, and preparing for competition. Quiller trains at Clearmeadow Morgans and Riding Academy, where hands-on involvement is the heart of the program.
Owner and trainer Karen Gardner said she revamped the program two years ago to make it a true team effort. “We decided there would be no grooms, no shortcuts,” Gardner explained. “Everyone pitches in — parents and kids — and watching them take pride in their horses is incredibly rewarding.”
Clearmeadow is known for housing pure-bred American Morgans, whose lineage can be traced back to a single founding stallion from 1789. Quiller’s equine partner, Avanti, is one of those special horses — and her best friend in the ring.
“He’s the sweetest,” she said. “When I first met him, I just knew he was the one. He looks right at you and nods his head like he’s saying, ‘Come on!’”
With her first world championship now under her belt, this rising star from Dothan is already looking ahead to what’s next — and cheering crowds in the Wiregrass will certainly be watching.
