LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Emily Egner, a lifelong resident of Hinesville, again demonstrated her equestrian prowess by clinching the coveted title of World Reserve Champion in her debut year as an adult rider in the Amateur Show Pleasure Division at the World’s Championship Horse Show.

This fiercely competitive event is an annual highlight of the Kentucky State Fair, hosting over 2,000 American Saddlebred horses, including Egner’s remarkable partner, “Classic Design.” Together, they made a formidable team.

“Simply having the privilege to showcase this magnificent horse on the green shavings was an honor,” said the enthusiastic 19-year-old Egner. “While I cherished my time in equitation as a junior exhibitor, this year’s experience as an adult has been an absolute thrill. The cheers from the crowd when we received the Reserve World Champion title were beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you to everyone at team Milestone, and of course, to my parents.”

Egner also catch rode the amazing four-year-old “Completely Innocent,” and they achieved top three in two classes in Adult Three Gaited Division.

This marked Egner’s fifth year competing at the illustrious World’s Championship Horse Show, and it was her first year riding “Classic Design” as an adult. “Classic Design,” an American Saddlebred, are renowned for their high-stepping gaits and commanding presence, typically ridden with an English saddle. Saddlebreds are rigorously judged on their performance, manners, presence, quality, and conformation, making Egner and “Classic Design” a standout duo.

“Classic Design” is coowned by Emily and her parents, Tom and Kathrin Egner, both Hinesville residents.