Thoroughbred Incentive Program July Youth Ambassador

Meet Lauren Wright!

Photo by Jennifer Wright.

T.I.P. presents July’s featured Youth Ambassador: Lauren Wright. Lauren, 17, is from Georgia. Lauren and her Thoroughbred, Up to No Good (Emmett), participate in Dressage.

Lauren Wright (17, GA)

Horse

• Registered Jockey Club Name: Embid
• Show Name: Up to No Good (Emmett)
• Barn Name: Up to No Good (Emmett)

How did you start riding?
I first got into horses when I was about four. Nobody would take me at four though, so at six I started attending a summer camp, and from there I started taking lessons.

What is your favorite thing about riding/or your horse?
As much as I love working and showing, a good trail ride is probably my favorite thing. Getting to relax and “goof off” is so much fun and a positive experience for both me and the horse.

What would you like to do when you are older?
I’m not entirely sure, but I know I don’t want to work in an office. I like to be active when I’m learning, so probably either a teacher or something with fieldwork. I want a job where I can still have horses.

Tell us your favorite quote and why:
“A horse will cross any bridge you build as long as the first one is from him to you”. To me it is so important to have communication and trust between you and the horse, especially if you are trying new things. The horse will look to you for guidance.

What do you think the most important aspects of horsemanship are?
For me, communication and listening are huge. If I don’t listen to my horse, how will I know when he doesn’t understand something? For instance, Embid can be very saddle shy sometimes, so I make sure to take my time to groom. When he is relaxed is when I tack up.

More Fun Facts

• How many pets do you have (and what kind)?
  Six cats, one beta fish, two horses.
• What is your favorite animal (apart from a horse)?
  Definitely a cat.
• What is your favorite color?
  Emerald green.
• What is your favorite food?
  Potatoes – you can do so many different things with them.
• What is something unique about you?
  I love photography. I definitely prefer to be behind the camera rather than in front of it.
• What is one word that your friends would describe you as?
  Quirky.

What is one thing you would like to tell people about Thoroughbreds or the Thoroughbred Incentive Program?
I would like to tell people about how special Thoroughbreds are. I’ve only had Emmett for a few months now, but already he’s taught me so much about being a better rider. He’s super smart too! His leg yields are starting to form and they are so soft and fun to ride. I can’t wait to see what he’ll be like in six months.

What are your goals for your horse in 2019?

My first goal is to get Emmett used to horses being in the ring with him so that we can attend shows without too much drama! From there I would like to attend several schooling shows (doing dressage and maybe jumping). My goal for the shows is to stay relaxed and do our best!

Photo by Jennifer Wright.

The Thoroughbred Incentive Program was created by The Jockey Club to encourage second careers for Thoroughbreds when their racing days are over. The T.I.P. sponsors Thoroughbred-only classes and high point awards as well as Performance Awards, special year-end awards specifically for Thoroughbreds. The T.I.P. also recognizes non-competing Thoroughbreds through its Young Rider program as well as a special award for Thoroughbreds in careers such as therapy horses or other non-profit outlets.

To learn more about the Thoroughbred Incentive Program, please visit the organization’s website.