Meet Arion rider, Emma Hakim. Emma is a competitive junior rider in the hunter, jumper, and equitation arenas. Hailing from Greenwich, CT, she trains at Beyaert Farm Inc. with Mattias Tromp and Caitlin Boyle. Emma joined the Arion team this summer, and we are thrilled to support her and be a part of her success. Read on to see how she prepares for the ASPCA Maclay National Championship at the Kentucky Horse Park, her thoughts on the equitation discipline, and more! 

What horse will you be bringing to Maclay Finals? Tells us about your mount.

I am bringing Cento Chico to Maclay Finals. I’ve been riding him for about 8 months now. He’s such a fun horse to ride, I look forward to riding him every day. He’s got a huge personality in and out of the stall, which makes him that much easier to love. 

Emma Hakim & Cento Chic at 2024 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search . ©Kind Media LLC

How long have you been competing in the equitation? What are your favorite parts about this discpline?

I’ve been doing the 3’6” equitation for almost 2 years. I love the equitation because it connects the best parts from the hunter and jumper rings. With all the different tracks we jump, it really makes you focus on precision and connection. The technicality of the tests and flat classes enhance the experience, and we learn so much from every class we compete in. Some of the new equitation championships and challenges are a great opportunity for junior riders to compete in big arenas with added pressure, too. It is a very rewarding division! 

How would you describe your indoors season so far?

So far, my indoors season has been a lot of learning. I was grateful enough to finish top 20 in the North American Equitation Championship and jump around my first USET finals with decent scores. But as in every sport, there are ups and downs. You can either choose to take the mistakes in a bad way, or in a good way and learn from them. But every time I get to show Cento is always so much fun.  

Emma & Cento Chic finishing top 20 in the 2024 North American Junior Equitation Championship at the Capital Challenge Horse Show. ©Shawn McMillen

How are you feeling going into Maclay Finals? How have you prepared physically and emotionally for this final? 

I’m feeling good going into Maclay. I’m excited to be able to show at such a fun horse show. Since medal finals, I have been working on a number of different things — such as track, pace, and consistency. I’ve been trying to ride as much as I can and just trying to get as much time in the saddle as possible. Mentally, I’ve been working on trusting my horse and trusting myself, and not letting nerves get in the way of that. 

Do you have any superstitions before you show or before an indoor final? 

Before I show, I always drink a strawberry kiwi vitamin water. I’ve been drinking them for 6 years so it’s hard to show without them. 

Emma and her team warming up at the 2024 Hampton Classic Horse Show. ©Chelsea Lothrop Photography

How do you think riding in your Arion saddle helps you in the Equitation ring? 

Arion saddles have really changed my riding for the better. I always feel super connected to my horses because of the way the saddle is designed. They always look so good when I go in the ring, I couldn’t think of a saddle I would love more than the Arion saddles. 

Emma & Cento Chic competing in the $10,000 Hermès Equitation Championship at 2024 Hampton Classic Horse Show. ©Chelsea Lothrop Photography 

Rapid Fire Questions🔥

Favorite Netflix show to binge?
Gossip Girl.

If you could choose an animal to describe you, which would you choose? But don’t tell us why!
A chicken.