Ema Klugman and Bronte Beach.

© Cindy Lawler

Ema Klugman debuts Bronte Beach at four-star level

By Equestrian Life

US-based Australian eventer Ema Klugman has debuted nine-year-old mare Bronte Beach at four-star level, competing at the Plantation Field International in Coatesville, PA.

Ema and Bronte Beach, a Zangersheide by Verdi who is owned by the Bronte Beach Syndicate, contested the CCI4*S and posted a dressage score of 31.8 before going clear in both jumping phases (albeit with a few time penalties) to finish in 25th on 52.2.

Ema was thrilled with the mare’s first four-star, and said the cross country was probably the smoothest advanced round she’s ever had.

“We decided to slow down this phase [cross country] for her so she could process the more technical questions without losing rideability. She’s quite a big horse and the turns and terrain questions require so much quick footwork at this level. She’s a very honest girl and has unbelievable scope, so I knew it was more a question of teaching her the ropes so she could find her way!

“Everyone knows I like to go fast but I’m glad I stuck to the plan, didn’t wear a watch, and let her cruise and pick up the jumps comfortably.”

Ema, who is an Equestrian Australia NEXT squad rider, also rode RF Redfern in the CCI2*S, finishing second on her dressage score of 26.

Earlier this year, Ema completed her first five-star at Kentucky with Bendigo (it was also 19-year-old Bendigo’s first five-star) and plans to start in the upcoming Maryland Five-Star next month.

Besides Bendigo, Bronte Beach and RF Redfern, Ema also has a number of other ‘Australian-named’ horses in training – including Bondi Beach and Coogee Beach. And if she wasn’t busy enough, she recently commenced studying at George Washington Law School!

Congratulations Ema on your achievements, and best of luck at Maryland CCI5*L!

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