LAKELAND, Fla. (Jan. 27, 2011) -- Florida Southern College freshman Emily Anne Terry won both the 15-17 age group division and the overall award in the Southwest Florida Hunter Jumper Association Equitation Championship on Jan. 10.

The "hunter" portion of the competition refers to a horse's appearance, form and expertise in jumping fences, which measure 3-feet, 6-inches in the division Terry won. The "jumper" portion is based on a horse's speed and how many mistakes are made, for instance the number of rails a horse knocks down while completing a course. The "equitation" segment of the competition is based on a rider's position, finesse and handling of a horse.

Terry has been participating in horse shows since age 4, having grown up at her mother's boarding and training facility, Cornerstone Farms in Naples. Among her previous achievements are qualifying for the Marshall & Sterling Children's Horse Medal in both 2008 and 2009.

Terry, who has now changed her status from junior rider to professional, said the Southwest Florida Hunter Jumper Association show was an affirmation of her talents.

"It was a really nice way to end my junior career as a rider," she said. "I knew I could do it but it reassures everything I already knew."

Smith is majoring in athletic training and hopes to one day become a professional horse trainer. She will compete in the Tampa Equestrian Festival in February and the Ocala Horse Shows in the Sun Circuit in April.