SIGN IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FEATURES

FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?

FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

AAH, WAIT, I REMEMBER NOW!

Sidelines MagazineSidelines Magazine

  • LOGIN
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • Subscriptions
    • Flipbook
    • Subscribe Options
    • Order Individual & Back Issues
  • Podcast
  • Marketplace
    • Business Ads
    • Directories
      • Barns, Farms, Trainers & Clubs
      • Equestrian Services
      • Real Estate
      • Stallions
      • Tack & Feed Stores
    • Classifieds
    • Horse Trailers for Sale
  • Advertise
  • Blogs
    • Show World
    • What’s Happenin’
  • Partners
  • Contacts
    • Contacts
    • Employment
1
Tuesday, September 29 2020 / Published in Weekly Feature

Emily Owen: From First Responder to Equestrian Model

By Laura Scaletti

Portraits by Isabel J. Kurek

Emily Owen is always ready to lend a hand to those in need. Whether it’s catch riding horses, traversing the streets in her job or doing a photoshoot for a friend, Emily was born to make her community a better place. 

As a child, when scary things appeared on the news, Mister Rogers’ mother told him, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” Emily, 25, now working in public safety, is one of these helpers. 

“Ever since I was little I’ve respected first responders. My mom is a nurse practitioner, my dad is a retired Montgomery County firefighter and we have many family friends who are in law enforcement,” Emily said. “When I was growing up, everyone always came to my house when they needed help. I wanted to be able to do that for people too.”

From an early age, Emily had an interest in pursuing her own public safety career. “I thought it would be a cool job, but I didn’t know if I could do it,” Emily said. Rather than jumping right into it, Emily went the route of a traditional desk job after graduating from Mount St. Mary’s University in 2016.

Emily put her business degree to work in her human resources job; however, it just didn’t feel like the right fit for her. “Having grown up taking care of horses every day after school and riding constantly, I knew a job sitting behind a desk wouldn’t fulfill me,” Emily said. “I needed a more hands-on, manual-labor type job.”

The Call to Serve

While browsing the internet, Emily stumbled upon a job opening “I thought, I’ll just apply and see what happens,” she said. After submitting the online application, Emily was selected to continue with the application process.

It was this process that had initially deterred Emily from seeking a career as a first responder.  “It’s not as simple as applying for another job where you get nervous and go for an interview and you’re either hired or you’re not,” Emily said. “It’s seven-plus months of an ongoing interview, nervousness and testing.” In order to be selected for an academy class, an applicant must go through a number of steps including a written test, agility test, oral panel interview, polygraph, psych evaluation and physical exam.

Emily was able to draw upon the mental skills she had developed while showing horses to get through the application process. “It’s all a mind game and about mental toughness,” Emily said. “I just wasn’t sure I was tough enough. I definitely doubted myself at first. In the end it all comes down to how badly you want it: If it’s important enough to you, then you’ll make it through.”

The selection process for the academy was much like horse shows: hurry up and wait.

Following a long application process, Emily got the call that the academy would be starting in two weeks and they had saved her a seat. Six months of classroom instruction, physical training and scenario-based exercises later, Emily was ready to hit the road for field training. 

On The Road

After the Academy, she spent time riding with supervisors to experience in real life what she’d learned in the classroom. “I’ve now been on my own for about a year,” Emily said.

The best thing about Emily’s typical work day is there is no typical work day. “During your shift, there isn’t a set list of things you have to check off. You can decide how best to use your time.”  Emily said. “Every day is different and that’s what I really like about my job.” 

Not only does Emily enjoy the variety of her job, she loves having a fulfilling job with a purpose. “I enjoy being able to assist the public in a variety of circumstances and provide resources they may not know are available to them,” Emily said.

Horsing Around

It’s after the tough days that Emily continues to find solace at the barn. “Horses are a great mental break from my job,” Emily said. “After I’ve been working all day, interacting with those in the community and coworkers, I just want quiet time. Being able to go for a ride is a huge stress reliever for me.”

A lifelong equestrian, Emily says her mom was the one who shared her love of horses with Emily. “There are photos of her holding me up on horses when I was just a baby,” Emily said. “The formal lessons started at age 5 at a lesson barn down the street from my house.”

Those lessons were just enough to hook Emily for life. Since then, she’s been a working student, groomed, worked at barns and competed.

While in high school, Emily’s parents bought her a Thoroughbred. “They bought me Leading Lady, but it was up to me to pay all the associated expenses like board, shoes and showing,” Emily said. Unable to sit still, much like today, Emily happily worked to be able to have a horse.

At Mount St. Mary’s, Emily was on the IHSA team throughout college, riding in the Open level. However, once graduation came, so did repaying student loans and Emily had to get creative to find a way to continue making horses part of her lifestyle. “My parents said, ‘You’re a big girl with a big girl job, horses are on you now.’ Unfortunately, my pocketbook didn’t allow me to buy my own horse,” Emily said.

Never one to be deterred, Emily has been doing a lot of catch riding since graduating. “I ride a diverse group of horses at the moment, including a Thoroughbred hunter owned by Isabel Kurek, a young OTTB fresh off the track, and I also foxhunt out at a barn in Maryland,” Emily said. “A woman I’ve ridden with for many years breaks babies and sometimes I get to take the young horses to their first shows. I’m extremely thankful and fortunate with my circumstances when it comes to riding.”

Camera Ready 

It was through this equine connection with Isabel that Emily stumbled upon another “career” opportunity — equestrian brand model for Essex Classic Riding Shirts. “I’ve known Isabel since I was in a stroller, and rode with her when I was in high school. As long as I can remember, she’s mentioned wanting to take my picture,” Emily said.

Fast forward to three years after Emily graduated from college and that photoshoot finally materialized. “I get to the barn and Isabel tells me, ‘Tomorrow do your hair and makeup and wear these shirts.’ Cathy Sacher from Essex had sent shirts for me to wear for the photoshoot the following day,” Emily said. “Next thing I know, I’m wearing the shirts, we’re doing the photoshoot and then I open up a magazine and see my photograph in an advertisement.

“It’s been such a surreal and neat experience modeling for Essex,” Emily said.  It’s a complete 180 from her full-time career. 

“I don’t necessarily hide it, but the modeling gig isn’t something I broadcast back at work,” Emily said, laughing.

While Emily would love to have more opportunities to model in the future should they present themselves, she’s a woman with a plan when it comes to her career as a first responder.

Becoming a horse owner again is another plan Emily turned into reality. “I’ve been wanting to get a new horse for a while. In June, I bought an OTTB, Rosie, to bring along and show in the Thoroughbred hunter classes. I’m really looking forward to have a horse I can take on trail rides every now and then,” Emily said. “I plan to keep Rosie forever!”

Photos by Isabel J. Kurek

Double D Trailers Info

Tagged under: equestrian model, fashion, first responder, horse

What you can read next

Lillian Heard: Skipping Law School and Finding Success
Kat Fuqua: Following ALL Her Horse Dreams 
The Value of Self-Coaching

Download Sidelines Digital now from your favorite app store!

Sidelines Magazine - Apple store   Sidelines Magazine - Google Play store   Sidelines Magazine - Amazon store
Update iOS app. Re-download Google Play and Amazon app.

Follow on Instagram!

sidelines_magazine

Sidelines Magazine
The✨April issue✨ of Sidelines Magazine is here The✨April issue✨ of Sidelines Magazine is here and we are so excited to feature three-day eventer Liz Halliday on the cover! Big thanks to photographer Melissa Fuller for the beautiful photo of Liz and Cooley Nutcracker- Liz Halliday-Sharp - HS Eventing. Liz and her horses have taken the eventing world by storm - and find out how Liz is at the top of the sport as a female eventer! As the horse world gears up for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event 2023, it's the perfect time to enjoy our eventing issue!! We also feature eventer and woman entrepreneur Frankie Thieriot Stutes, who is not only an eventer, but also runs Athletux and FRANKIE CAMERON handbags and accessories. And don't miss our eventing story on Robert "Bobby" Costello, who will be leading the US Eventing team to the 2024 Paris Olympics- and US Equestrian has named Bobby the eventing technical advisor/chef d'equipe!! Liz, Frankie and Bobby all have GREAT stories - don't miss any of them and don't forget to get your tickets for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day event! We are also excited to introduce you to hunter-jumper rider Casey Lorusso Smith, who is not only a talented rider but also a psychotherapist and incorporates horses into her career. If you are up for adventure, then read the story on dressage rider Priscilla Baldwin who certainly doesn't let any grass grow under her feet! We also head to the west coast to catch up with hunter-jumper trainer Jim Hagman of Elvenstar Farm, we feature beautiful art by equestrian artist Tammy Tappan, and we get to know Miranda Jones and her family. Miranda is not only an attorney who spends a lot of time in the courthouse, but she's a rider and spends lots of time riding, and is joined by her daughters also! We are excited to feature Stephanie Lightner in our Unbridled column, and don't miss our columnists George Williams, Robert R.L. Jacobs and Margie Sugarman! It's a great issue - and you can read it online, but don't forget to go to the website and order a subscription and get every issue delivered to your mailbox!! Enjoy this issue and enjoy the ride: Link in bio!!
It's finally Spring🌷🌻☀️! Get your barn s It's finally Spring🌷🌻☀️! Get your barn set up with a Pyranha SprayMaster Misting System. 
✅Provides whole barn insect control! 
✅Easy to install with basic tools!
✅Electric pump & programmable automatic timer!

Get yours today!
@pyranhalife

#pyranhalife #madeintheusa #pyranha #equestrian #horselife #horselifestyle #barncare
Marie Meyers has been around the world because of Marie Meyers has been around the world because of dressage, but it’s her farm in Moorpark, California, that has captured her heart. The farm and the business that thrives there represent Marie’s lifelong journey—a journey made up of good friends, spectacular horses and relationships made to last.

Marie was raised in Southern California, and spent her childhood playing just about every sport under the sun, but she didn’t discover riding until she was 14 years old. “I loved animals so much, so I started taking lessons. I did jumping at first, but I was very bad at that, for sure!” Marie laughed.

After some time, Marie moved on to take lessons at Foxfield Riding Academy and began riding dressage. “I fell into dressage by accident,” Marie said, “At the beginning, I thought it was extremely boring, but then I got hooked. By the time I graduated from high school, I had plans to travel to England to work for Franz Rochowansky, a former head of the Spanish Riding School.”

In 1988, Marie’s hard work paid off, and the pair was selected as alternates for the 1988 Summer Olympic Games. “They didn’t take the alternates that year, so we didn’t go to Seoul, but the experience, the training and the European Tour afterwards set me up for the 1990 World Equestrian Games in Stockholm, Sweden,” Marie said.

In addition to having success representing her country, Marie was busy with her life—marriage, a business, teaching lessons and clinics. 

Learn more about Marie in this month's edition of Sidelines Magazine. Click the link in our bio for more 🦄

📸Photos by Lindsey Long Equine Photography, www.lindseylong.com

#dressage #equestrian #horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #dressagehorse #equestrianlife #showjumping #horseriding #equine #pony #pferd #instahorse #dressur #horselove #eventing #equestrianstyle #cheval #dressagerider #horselife #horselover #pferde #love #riding #jumping #pferdeliebe #horseofinstagram #horsebackriding #paard #dressurpferd
We are starting a ‼️new series‼️ here on o We are starting a ‼️new series‼️ here on our socials where we share some of the lovely stallions, and their breeders featured in each month's magazine. Our first feature on this #STUDSunday is...

 ✨ALVESTA OWAIN✨
Thistledown Arctic Lore x Alvesta Fairy Lustre
13.1hh, Welsh section B
Stud Fee $750 (plus collection)
AI only and EVA negative
Fairfield, VA

Contact Cheryl Maye at (703) 431-9096 for more information
https://www.mayeshowponies.com/more-info/stallions

You can find ALL of the stallions featured towards the back of the magazine in the equestrian gallery. Keep a look out EVERY Sunday for a new handsome STUD muffin🧁 and don't forget to subscribe to get your very own edition of Sidelines Magazine, the magazine for horse people, about horse people 🦄

📸  SAS Equestrian
Load More... Follow on Instagram

From Our Classifieds Ads

  • Travis Laas & Tina Bengtsson, DVM
    Real Estate Advisors Specializing in Exceptional Equestrian Properties, Land Listings and Luxury Estates. Engel & Volkers Wellington 561-906-7007 561-762-2925 Dr.TravisLaas@gmail.com Laas.Equestrian@gmail.com

    [Read more]

  • WINDSOR STABLES
    Michael Britt-León Lesson Program & IEA Team 470-297-8411

    [Read more]

Sidelines Articles by Email

Subscribe to Sidelines Magazine Articles by Email

RSS Sidelines Blogs: What’s Happenin’

  • Get More for Your Money with an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
  • Longines Global Champions Tour of New York Returns to Governors Island
  • A Paris Horse Adventure: Saut Hermes 2022

RSS Sidelines Blogs: Show World

  • Will Coleman Retains Yanmar America CCI4*-S Lead in Dramatic Show Jumping at Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International
  • First edition of the World Sport Horse Sales was a hit with $410.000 for the most expensive horse
  • Liz Halliday-Sharp Takes Third Victory in $50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field

Category

Recent Posts

  • April 2023 – Table of Contents

    Subscribe for just $9.95 or Order Individual Is...
  • Building a Bond With a New Horse

    By Margie Sugarman I just bought a new horse. I...
  • Developing Healthy Relationships With Your Barnmates

    By Rob Jacobs The purpose of this month’s colum...
  • The Value of Self-Coaching

    By Liz Halliday-Sharp The sport of eventing is ...
  • Unbridled With Annette Longenecker

    By Britney Grover  Annette Longenecker wasn’t j...

Copyright © 1987 - 2021 Sidelines Magazine
Privacy Policy · Returns & Refunds Policy · Hosting by Lucian Web Service
· Login

TOP
Get the Sidelines Scoop — your weekly look behind the scenes.Sign me up!