Emelyn Tucker, 15, of Niles, used to dream of the day she would compete at the horse show in the Cass County Fair.

“I always wanted to show in the fair,” Tucker said. “I thought it was super cool.”

For the past seven years, she has lived that dream and received a number prizes to boot.

This year was no exception.

On Monday, Tucker and her Appaloosa horse, Scooter, claimed the grand championship title in the English showmanship class. Back in the ring Tuesday, Tucker also earned third place in Western showmanship.

The competitions evaluate the horse’s ability to replicate a number of showmanship patterns with precision, among other factors such as the horse’s presentation. The grand and reserve winners will face off again in the sweepstakes competition.

Tucker is the daughter of Dianna and Jim Tucker and a student at Niles High School. She is a member of the 4-H Club and has grown up on the Niles family farm raising horses. The Cass County Fair is one of multiple places Tucker competes in throughout the county.

On Tuesday, Tucker sported a sparkly jacket and a cowboy hat. With a few encouraging pats on Scooter’s neck, she was by the horse’s side as they performed during the Western showmanship.

Outside of the showmanship ring, there is a lot that goes into preparing a horse for the competition.

Tucker cited confidence and practice — lots and lots of practice — as the keys to creating a show stopping performance.

“You have to be super sharp [with the steps],” Tucker said.

Tucker gets up early in the morning to feed and let her horse out. She also brushes and practices steps with Scooter.

Both Dianna and Jim have witnessed the hard work that their daughter puts into the competition and the hours of practice leading up to it.

“She does a lot of practicing the patterns. The idea is not to lead the horse around, but for him to move off of her movements,” Dianna said. “It takes a lot of muscle memory and time.”

While most have heard the age-old adage: “You can lead a horse to water, but can’t make him drink” — the same applies to training a horse. If the horse does not like or feel comfortable with its owner, time spent training is futile.

Dianna said her daughter has worked hard to build a trusting relationship with her horse prior to the competition.

“She goes out in the barn every day and brushes and spends time with him,” Dianna said. “You can train them all day long, and if they want to do their own thing [they will].”

For Scooter’s part, learning the steps has always come with ease.

“It does not take long [for him to learn],” Tucker said. “He is really good at it.”

While Tucker said she takes on the bulk of the work, she thanked her parents for helping to keep Scooter looking his best by trimming his mane and keeping him clean.

“They make sure we look super good,” Tucker said.

Tucker’s passion for horses has also become part of her work outside the farm and showmanship ring. This school year, Tucker will be part of the first Equestrian Club at Niles High School and are planning to have a show at the end of August.

As to advice for those showing their horses this year, Tucker said enjoying the competition was important.

“Just have fun, don’t be nervous,” Tucker said, “And be sharp in your pattern.”