Emily Stiles

Emily's journey began at the age of 2, guided by the reins of her aunt and uncle. Her early riding experiences were shaped astride retired rope horses and spirited barrel horses. It wasn't until the age of 8 that her parents granted her a peculiar gift – her very own pony, Snickers. Despite his affordability due to a history of bucking off other riders, Snickers became an instrumental figure in Emily's journey.

Facing regular airborne escapades during their initial year together, Snickers and Emily forged a bond. This turbulent beginning, she believes, played a pivotal role in sculpting her into the accomplished jockey she is today. The duo triumphed at various shows, clinching Emily's NBHA saddle, alongside numerous buckles and coveted qualifications for the Indiana NBHA state show. Snickers, now 17 years old, remains a cherished member of Stiles' family. Despite passing the reins to her brother, Snickers occasionally reprises his bucking antics.

Emily's journey took a transformative turn in 2022 when she ventured beyond NBHA shows into the exhilarating world of rodeo, marking her debut with Mid State Rodeo Association. Despite harboring a long-time desire for rodeo competition, it wasn't until she found UndniablyABlazinStar, affectionately known as "Sophie," that she felt ready to take on the challenges of the rodeo circuit.



In her first year with Mid State Rodeos, Emily not only secured a spot in the MSFR but also demonstrated her talent by finishing 4th overall in the standings. The following year, 2023, Emily took her rodeo ambitions a step further as she acquired her IPRA card. Remarkably, she not only participated but triumphed in various rodeos, earning her a qualification for the International Finals Rodeo. As Emily gears up for the IFR this week, her standings speak volumes about her career in the rodeo arena. Currently positioned 5th in the overall standings, she holds the impressive top spot in the rookie standings.

Emily achieved a few significant milestones in 2023, the first being qualifying for the IFR. In addition to this major feat, Emily had set her sights on a couple of smaller objectives, including securing the 1st position in the year-end standings for MSRA and clinching victory at the IPRA rodeo in McBain, MI. ​Looking ahead, Emily has set a primary goal for the upcoming year, aiming to obtain her WPRA permit and fill it in the Great Lakes Circuit. Stiles plans to actively participate in WPRA events, accompanied by her Aunt Ronda and Uncle Tye. Meanwhile, Stiles has outlined her objective for 2025, which involves purchasing her WPRA card and embarking on her rookie year in the competitive realm of the Women's Professional Rodeo.

Emily currently travels with three horses, with her primary mount being Sophie. Sophie, sired by her aunt's stallion UndeniablyDebonair and out of BJ Skiped Chico, has played a pivotal role in Emily's success, notably helping her qualify for the IFR. The mare, 17 this year, is owned by Randy Mauger. Emily enjoys Sophie's distinctive running style, describing it as snappy and having a significant stride. Sophie's versatility shines through as she excels in various setups and handles different ground conditions, making her an exceptional rodeo horse. Adding to Sophie's significance is her history with Brenda Mauger, who owned her from the age of 5 to 14. Brenda acquired Sophie from Emily's family ranch. After Brenda passed from cancer in 2021, Sophie found her way back to Emily and her family.

In addition to Sophie, Emily rides Challenge, a 5 year old gelding registered UndniablyAChallenge. Also sired by UndniablyDebonair, and out of a Z Famous Bug, Challenge is the first foal that Emily has fully owned and started on her own. Despite facing initial obstacles related to joint issues due to his dam's nutrition concerns, Challenge has matured into a robust 15.3 hands and is proving to be a promising barrel horse. Notably, he achieved commendable placements, ranking in the top 15 at Josey JR Worlds as an early 4 year old and securing 6th place in the 1D average at Sherry Cervi's Youth Championship in Ohio. Emily finds joy in working with Challenge, describing him as not only a rewarding project but also a horse full of personality.

Completing Emily's trio of horses is Ali, registered as UndniablyAnAllStar. At 13 years old, Ali shares the same lineage as Sophie, being a full sister to her. Owned by Stiles' aunt Ronda, Ali serves as a reliable backup horse for both Emily and Ronda. Known for her smooth and rounded style, Ali is a favorite to ride, offering an overall easy and enjoyable experience. After taking a break to have a colt last year, Ali is making a comeback, adding some additional horse power to Emily & Ronda's roster.  In addition to her main mounts, Emily shows her versatility by jockeying numerous client horses throughout the year, ranging from 2-year-olds to open or futurity horses in need of seasoning or competition.

Emily's rodeo career continues to grow with diverse experiences and accomplishments. Guided by her main horses, Emily is not only exceling in the rodeo pen but also extends her expertise to a multitude of client horses, spanning the spectrum from 2-year-olds to seasoned open horses. The unique stories behind each equine partner, from Sophie's emotional history with Brenda Mauger to Challenge's triumphant barrel performances, add layers of depth to Stiles' narrative. As she embarks on new goals of the rodeo road with the WPRA to taking in additional client horses, Emily's dedication and adaptability shine through, reflecting the essence of a rider deeply connected to her horses and committed to the evolving chapters of her adventure.

We wish her luck as she competes this week at her first IFR!