Rising Star Emma Sophia Spanko: Building Success from Passion to the World Cup Stage
At the beginning of January, the world of show jumping gathered at the prestigious St. Jakobshalle in Basel for the FEI World Cup event. Alongside the elite international competition, the venue also hosted an Under-25 (U25) show, offering young talents the chance to perform on one of the sport’s biggest stages. Among the promising riders competing was Emma Sophia Spanko, a dedicated athlete steadily making her mark in international show jumping.
A Passion Born in Childhood
Spanko’s journey into equestrian sport began early, driven by a passion that was evident long before she started formal training.
“I started riding when I was about 12 years old, but my passion was definitely already there since I was a small kid,” she explained.
Her family played a crucial role in nurturing that passion. As her commitment to the sport grew, they supported her ambitions by investing in horses and facilities, allowing her to progress from a young enthusiast to an international competitor.
“Slowly, it grew bigger and bigger and then my parents supported me into getting a couple of our own horses and further into building a stable,” Spanko said.
Training and Development in the Netherlands
A key turning point in Spanko’s career came when she relocated to the Netherlands, where she now trains with the renowned Schröder brothers, mainly under the guidance of Ben Schröder. The move proved transformative for her development as a rider.
“Since I’ve been there for the past four years, the steps along the way were massive,” she said. “When I came there, I was jumping maybe at the 1.30m level, just beginning the international level, and at the moment I’m jumping three-star Grand Prix classes.”
Spanko credits Schröder’s hands-on approach as a significant factor in her progress.
“I think he’s a very patient guy, but at the same time very motivated. I also really like that he rides himself, so when I don’t know what to do or when I’m struggling, he would get on the horse, show me what to do and how to do it. That helps a lot when you’re learning to also see it, not just hear it.”
A Dream Stable in Prague
Although based mainly in the Netherlands during the season, Spanko also owns an impressive training facility near Prague. The property, which she describes as “amazing,” serves as a base for clients, young horses, and breeding prospects.
“It’s a beautiful stable, it has 50 boxes where we have clients currently, and some of my young horses and foals,” she said. “Unfortunately, I do not spend so much time there, which I regret, but being in Holland and competing helps improve my riding.”
A Special Bond with Longines LB
Throughout her career, Spanko has built strong relationships with her horses, none more meaningful than her partnership with Longines LB.
“That horse would definitely be Longines LB. I had him since he was six,” she shared. “At the time, I was only a 12- or 13-year-old girl learning to ride, he was a 6 year old stallion, so maybe it was a bit crazy from my family.”
The partnership has grown into one of her proudest achievements. Together, they progressed through the ranks, eventually reaching top international classes.
“We built a really, really strong connection, and we moved together from 1.10m and 1.20m classes up to winning a two-star ranking class this season. It felt very great to be able to say that I produced the horse into this level.”
Developing Future Champions
Spanko’s career philosophy centers around developing horses from a young age. She prefers to buy younger horses and invest time building trust and partnership.
“I think it’s really important to have a strong connection with the horses, which, in my opinion, you can only build when you buy them younger and take the time to develop them,” she said. “I think they will really do anything for you at that point.”
Recently, she has expanded into breeding, marking another step toward long-term success.
“This is our first year having a foal from one of our mares that I rode in the junior category. We also bought four foals at an auction this year, so we’re looking forward to the future.”
Ambitions for the Season
As the new competition season begins, Spanko is focused on strengthening her team of horses and progressing to higher levels of sport.
“I have a couple of new horses, so getting a good relationship with them and moving them into higher classes would be great. Maybe having two, three, or four horses jumping at the 1.50m level is really the goal,” she said.
She also has her sights set on major championships and prestigious breeding competitions.
“I would really like to compete at the European Championship for Young Riders, and I would love to compete again in Lanaken at the World Breeding Championship, as I did last year.”
Experiencing the World Cup Atmosphere in Basel
Competing at the U25 show during the FEI World Cup in Basel marked an important milestone in Spanko’s career. Riding in the iconic St. Jakobshalle arena offered her valuable experience at the highest level of the sport.
“It is my first experience jumping at a World Cup show in the U25 category,” she said. “I did Geneva at the end of last season, which was a similar experience. The atmosphere is great, and you get to ride alongside the best riders in the world.”
For Spanko, such events represent both inspiration and motivation.
“It’s great to have the opportunity not only to watch them in the ring and warm-up, but also to experience everything behind the scenes. Shows like Basel are really the cherry on top.”
Looking Ahead
With a strong support system, a talented string of horses, and clear ambitions for the future, Emma Sophia Spanko continues to establish herself as one of the sport’s rising talents. Her journey from a passionate young rider to an international competitor demonstrates the dedication, patience, and partnership required to succeed in elite show jumping.
“And from here,” she said with optimism, “it only goes upwards — hopefully that’s the plan.”
Valentina Sozzi – VS Media
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