Ortonville-Emily Merlo plans on going above and beyond during this year’s equestrian season. With the help of her horse, Above and Beyond, of course.
Merlo, 16-year-old Clarkston resident, trains and works at Ortonville’s MeadowCrest Farms, 4920 Groveland Road.
‘Emily is a remarkable rider,? said Kay Wooderson, barn owner at MeadowCrest. ‘She competes at shows around the state and places high in standards at each one.?
Merlo is judged based on her form as well as her horse’s form during her events. She needs to acquire points at local shows in order to qualify for larger, more prestigious competitions.
‘I have to place first, second, third or fourth place in order to get points,? said Merlo.
Merlo has qualified for the Kentucky Horse Show and the Pennsylvania Horse Show, both scheduled for later in the year. Each show required her to have 13 points.
‘I usually place in all my shows, so I do pretty well,? said Merlo.
Merlo’s best event is jumping. She has jumped as high as 4-feet during training, but competes in her shows at 3 foot-6 inches.
‘Three-foot six inches is the height that separates the men from the boys,? said Maribeth Gilliam, Merlo’s trainer of eleven years. ‘It’s very exciting to see her make that jump.?
Merlo is excited, as well. She anticipates success in her riding this year.
Merlo competes against 15-17-year-olds. When she reaches age 18 and enters college, she plans on taking a break from riding.
‘I’ll pick it back up after I graduate,? said Merlo.