It was an emotional ride for Sunshine Coast endurance rider Ema Basic on Jum Jum Silver Storm at Imbil on the weekend.
Ema, from Yandina, has made a comeback from a near-fatal injury in 2018 to record her first podium finish.
And the horse she was riding, a 14-year-old arab gelding owned and trained by Celeste Manwaring from Cooroy, has also recovered from injury.
Ema has been riding since 2015 but after a kick from a horse three years ago was told she would never ride again.
“Mind over matter, I came back in 2019 to ride in endurance as it’s my love and hobby,” she said.
“Jum Jum has also had five years off with a leg injury. This was his first ride back in the game.”
The horse and rider were first across the line at the Stirlings Crossing Endurance Club 2021 Starter Event at Imbil on the weekend.
They were also awarded best conditioned horse in the lightweight division.
Ema has ridden 2000km competitively and she was always dreaming for a podium finish.
“After my hospital stay I made a pact to myself – dream big.
“I will be attending the Gobi Desert Cup endurance ride in Mongolia in 2022 – 400km over five days in which 15 entrants from around the world compete on Mongolian horses across the steppes.”
