Latta High School Athletic Director Robbie Brown was thrilled to announce the first-ever Latta High School student to sign for an Equestrian scholarship as Emma Bley signed with St. Andrews University in Laurinburg, N.C. AD Robbie Brown welcomed and thanked everyone to this special occasion.
Emma Bley will not only have classroom learning, but also will receive hands-on experiences that will help her to develop useful skills including the opportunity to compete in intercollegiate competitions.
St. Andrews University’s equestrian program competes in intercollegiate competitions through the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).
Conner Smith, the Assistant Equestrian Director at St. Andrews, stated that when looking for a potential candidate, he looks two things: 1. a positive attitude. 2. a good work ethic. Not only did he find these two qualities, but he also more in Emma Bley.
Emma is the daughter of Megan Dew and Jeff and Ashley Bley and the granddaughter of Johnny and Rhonda Dew.
Emma has had a passion for riding since she was two years old and has been riding since 2015. She takes lessons once per week at Tally Ho Equestrian Center of Timmonsville. Katrina Hutto, an instructor there and a graduate of St. Andrews Presbyterian College, taught Emma that if thrown by a horse, get back onto that horse and continue your ride. Hutto was accompanied by Bree Taylor. Emma once stated “10 hours at the barn feels like only 1 hour as it is a place of peace.”
She does not own her horse. Therefore, every time she rides, she has to learn everything about the horse she is riding. She has to adapt to different horses and the personalities of the horses.
She joined the IEA (International Equestrian Association) in 2024. Her style of riding is “English” which refers to style rooted in European tradition, often associated with military and hunting. She rides the “Hunter” and “Jumper” style.
Prior to Emma’s signing, she thanked everyone for their support.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon County News, LLC
