Louisville, KY — Emily Egner of Hinesville is the new World Reserve Champion for her age group in the Equitation Division of the World’s Championship Horse Show.

This highly competitive class takes place every year during the Kentucky State Fair where the prestigious World’s Championship is held. It draws over 2,000 American Saddlebred Horses, including Enger’s horse Ro & Me’s Heir Express.

The horse is coowned by Egner and her mother, Hinesville resident Kate Egner.

“When they called my name, I was totally in shock,” said Emily, 18. “I have been working hard and riding since I was 5 years old and this is the closest I have come to achieving my goals. It was unbelievable!”

This was her fourth year competing at Worlds and her first on this horse, which she nicknamed “Preston.” He is an American Saddlebred, a horse ridden with an English saddle and known for high-stepping gaits and powerful front motion. Saddlebreds are judged on performance, manners, presence, quality and conformation.

The horse is professionally trained at Milestone Stables in Whitehouse, Tennessee, where Egner goes monthly to practice. She spent two weeks there and trained daily before entering the competition on August 20.

For more information on the World’s Championship Horse Show, visit wchorseshow.com.