Emylia

When Emylia was just eight years old, she and her mother Tiffany, moved into a home managed by Home in Place after escaping domestic violence. Tiffany struggled to find long-term employment after injuring her back at work and finances were very tight.

Despite that, Tiffany was determined that her daughter should live her best life and follow her and dreams. A year later, Emily started riding horses.

“It’s something she always wanted to do. It’s her safe and happy place where she can be her true self with the horses.” Tiffany says.

“She didn’t have any grand plans back then, but she started to reveal a hidden talent over time. It became obvious she had a natural rapport with horses and as a result of her riding, she has gained so many skills in all aspects of her life.”

A couple of years later, when it became obvious that Emylia had a true passion and talent for equestrian riding, Tiffany saved enough money to buy Emylia her first horse Millies so she could learn and ride more. Unfortunately, equestrian lessons proved to be very expensive and they could only afford one lesson per week.

That’s where Grow a Star and Beyond Bank came in.

When Emylia was awarded a scholarship through the Beyond Bank Scholarship Program, she was able to take extra dressage lessons at Byalee Stables in Cessnock and quickly became a talented and capable young equestrian rider who now has her heart set on the Olympics!