Welcome to Emma the Clydesdale's Blog!

Hello! This blog is dedicated to the goings-on of Emma the Clydesdale, owned by the late John "Pops" Tacejko. Sadly, Pops passed away in Januaury, 2016. Emma was willed to Michelle Heinz, an "adopted" member of the Schuler/Tacejko family as well as Emma's show handler since 2003.

Shining Meadows Amanda, aka "Emma," was born on March 6, 1998, and came into Pops' life in 2001, when his dream of owning a Clydesdale was recognized. Emma moved to the Berea fairgrounds in 2002, where she met Michelle. The pair started showing in 2003, with Pops watching every class and show-prepping his mighty mare the night before.

Over the years, Michelle and Emma accumulated countless ribbons at countless horse shows, including two championships at the Cuyahoga Co Fair Horse and Pony show. Emma has been shown hunt seat, western, saddle seat, in hand, and also in gymkhana classes (times events). A lover of the Budweiser Clydesdales, Pops ordered a red and white mane roll, which Michelle braided into Emma's mane before each show. Her tack was black to match the team's harnesses, and her feathers were always baby-powdered before any outing.

Pops himself rode Emma in numerous parades as well as on trail rides. They rode in downtown Cleveland several times with the Cleveland Mounted Police, and were requested for parades and special events around Cuyahoga Co. Pops' son, Steve, accompanied Pops and Emma to many of the events, walking alongside.

Pops passed away unexpectedly on January 21, 2016. Knowing how much Michelle cared about Emma, Pops left Emma to Michelle in his will, and the pair  took their relationship to a new level on January 23. Emma moved from the Cuyahoga CO Fairgrounds to a private barn in Chardon, OH. For the first time since she was very young, Emma was able to run in a pasture and to play with other horses.

Since then, Emma has been moved with two of Michelle's other horses to a small farm in Kirtland, OH. Emma's large stall features a dutch door so she can stick her head outside whenever she wants and can even walk outside as she pleases when the weather is nice.

Michelle plans on posting a weekly blog entry discussing Emma's condition, likes and dislikes, new adventures, etc. You can also check out Emma's Facebook page, Emma the Clydesdale, and a GoFundMe account has been created for her to help cover the cost of her care, called Pops' Emma (Emma the Clydesdale).

Pictured below are Emma, Michelle, and Pops, taken around 2010.