Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Eme Martin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Eme, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
When I was just 2 years old I would watch my friends Shadow and Dallas trick ride. I would say I was going to be like then someday. I would practice trick riding on a rocking horse in my living room. Then, one fall right after my birthday, Shadow invited me to a practice just for fun. 3 weeks later he called my mom and said she is a natural at this and I want to put her in a couple shows with me this summer. The hard work began in January or February and by April I was performing in my first trick riding show. That summer turned into 15 shows, 5 of them with a casted arm. Now, here we are, 8 summers later and I’m making a living doing what I love. Trick riding and roman riding all around the USA. I have met so many lifelong friends and enjoy seeing new places. I’m thankful for the amazing horses that have been by my side performing the last 7-8 years: Blitz, Thunder, Twilight and Storm. Without them, I couldn’t do what I do!
Eme, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Starting at such a young age was tough. I put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into my training. Never giving up and pushing myself harder all the time has gotten me where I am today. I have used horses that are well trained and I have trained my own horses to do what I needed them to do. It is tough but rewarding work. I love meeting the new people and putting smiles on their faces. After each performance, I do a meet and greet with fans afterward. The best part is seeing their smiles and hearing how some little girl wants to be like me someday. The most memorable was in Gladwin, MI. A little girl brought her toy horse, which was black to match my real horses, and had me sign it for her. She has been to my performance all 3 years I’ve been there. Sometimes multiple times since it is a 2 day rodeo. We have grown together and it is fun to look back at the pictures of us over the years. I want people to remember me for being kind and loving what I do. I don’t trick ride for attention or to be cool. I do it because I love horses and love trick riding. I found out I am naturally good at it and want to keep getting better all the time. The bruises and hard work are worth it all in the end! Trick riding and roman riding take a lot of grit and that’s something I have plenty of!
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
A few years back, there were people that tried very hard to bring me down and dim my light. For awhile, I let them. I didn’t feel like I was good enough and wanted to quit. Then, my grit came back and I came out stronger than ever. I have learned to never let anyone make you feel less than! I continue to “Pass the Torch” as my mentor taught me. I encourage others and try to be a good example in all I do. As much as I wish those hard times hadn’t happened, I’m glad they did because it taught me who I truly am. It also taught me the kind of person I never want to be.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a trick and Fancy Rider is meeting new people. Seeing how much they enjoy my performances and just talking to them makes me want to keep up the hard work. The young girls and their smiles, hugs and stories encourage me to be better! You’re always going to have someone watching you. So I try my best to remember to smile, be kind and be the best me I can be!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Emerae_trickrider
- Facebook: Eme Martin – Trick and Fancy Rider
Image Credits
Carson Robertson- Art, Photography and Music
Half-Ass Photography
Exposure One Photography
Papa Razzi Sports Photography
Hannah Kayy Photography