A good queen is well-versed in many areas and shares her passions as a leader in the field. Whether it is dogs or horses, Emm Evaristo is proud to wear the crown.
Not yet 20 years old, Emm has traveled the country as an equestrian competitor, rodeo queen, mustang trainer, and dog handler/breeder.
Growing up, Emm loved watching the Westminster dog show. Her enthusiasm for the show led to her begging her mother to let her get a dog they could take through the ranks. Her mother bought into the dream with the condition that it would have to be a hunting dog for her dad’s sake. So, their search began, and they found themselves enamored with a UKC registered black and tan coonhound named Lulu. They brought her home, switched her over to AKC registration, and introduced her into the world of competitive dog showing. What started as a small dream has risen into a tremendous opportunity as this Spring one of Lulu’s pups will take on the biggest ring of all.
Lulu’s daughter Lucy will make her debut at the Westminster Dog Show. In an industry full of professionals, this family dog has risen to the opportunity alongside Emm, who has been her sole handler in the show ring. Interestingly, her bloodlines will be riddled throughout the show as Lucy will share the ring with her sister, a dog named Peach, who is owned by family friend Amanda Lewis.
While coonhounds have secured their spot in Emm’s heart, she also has great pride in her little bird dog Ruben. A Brittany Spaniel, Ruben was rescued by Emm’s father during a work trip in Bellevue, Nebraska when he saw a woman dumping the pup on the side of the road. Once abandoned, he now is living his own instinctive dream and thrives off of the sight of orange vests and the opportunity to go find pheasants on the vast expanses nestled close by to the community of Glen Elder, Kansas, where the Evaristos call home.
About six years ago, Emm added to her passions and began pursuing a journey of horsemanship. Her first horse was a Quarter Horse/Arabian cross that she still rides today, and actually rode during the queen competition at the United Rodeo Association Finals this past November.
This sweet mare was born on the Comanche ranch in Oklahoma, and was selected as a barrel racing prospect. Unfortunately, she developed arthritis at a young age, and has instead carried Emm through adventures chasing cows and even dancing the saddleseat pattern.
As Emm’s experiences progressed, so did her interests, and Emm joined the North Central Saddle Club Drill Team. It was during her time on the team that someone suggested she consider the world of rodeo pageantry. Highly skeptical at first, she finally gave it a try, and discovered a wonderfully supportive community of girls and the opportunity to share her deep knowledge of what makes horses and rodeo thrive. Whether it has been cheering for the success of others or having the opportunity to represent the group herself, Evaristo is able to find joy in the journey.
Willing to put in the work, Emm finds herself in the round pen as frequently as in the show pen, often working with one of her three adopted BLM mustangs. She was attracted by the same mystique that draws many to mustangs, watching online auctions for years before her mother directed her to a TIP trainer. Emm loves how sure footed and resilient the mustangs are, but recognizes they come with their own set of challenges. Since they don’t mature as fast as domestic horses, she has kept the training process slower and let them enjoy time in the pasture as their bodies develop.
Buttercup was the first mustang she brought home and was named after the Princess Bride movie. This special mare soon gained a sister on the ranch named MinnieHaHa.
To complete the Evaristo herd are two mini geldings, a 20 year old Missouri foxtrotter gelding, and a 33 year old Missouri Fox Trotter mare. It is a true menagerie of dogs and horses, all living their best life and enjoying time with a sweet family.
Emm’s genuine demeanor and deep love for horses and dogs serves her well in and out of the arena. Her journey will undoubtedly continue to be a vibrant one.
Be sure to keep an eye out for that special black and tan coonhound at Westminster this year and cheer Emm and Lucy on!
very well written and informative
thank you so much