"Star Quality, aka New Star Quality, who we call Q, was imported to the United States by Emily Esau Williams and one of her clients in 2022 as a nine year old Belgian Warmblood stallion. Having been ridden by a host of great riders in Europe, including Gregory Wathelet, Q was proving to be a slow and frustrated jumper. He had the scope but not the temperament to jump the big classes so, because of his excellent breeding and beautiful jump, it was thought that he’d make a great hunter prospect, and Emily agreed.

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I remember watching Emily school Q in Temecula soon after he arrived. It was rough, but it was so clear that his bravery and character were so unique that the time she put into him would pay off. By late June 2023, it was evident that Q was more than enough for the biggest stage. Franktown Meadows, at that time, offered a $50,000 International Hunter Derby. Nestled in the hills between Carson City and Reno, Nevada, the course was set on quite a large, uphill grass field with natural style jumps: long, high, and impressive. There was more than one great International Hunter competing, including the mare Tangled Up in Blue, whose beautiful round received what seemed an impossibly high score. Q followed her, was the last horse to compete, and quite frankly left everyone there breathless. He won the class and my heart. I appointed myself the President of the Q fan club.

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He went on to shine in many International Derbies and High Performance Championships throughout 2023 and early 2024, placing in the top 10 of the 2023 USHUA International Derby Finals Challenge Round in Lexington, KY. Q’s model hunter character — thoughtful, consistent, brave — grew and grew as Emily continued to present him with new challenges.

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In October 2024, Q became available to purchase and I leapt at the chance. He’d had a good chunk of time off so, even as a flat footed amateur, I rode him back into shape and, just before Desert Winter Circuit 2025, Emily took over the reins. One of the most amazing things about Q is that, even though he is a big, strong, brave stallion, he is so completely self confident that even I can ride and school him. Though I have yet to show him, I trust him completely.

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One of the most thrilling wins of his continuing successful career was during the 2025 Desert Circuit 5 $20,000 Winner’s Circle Stake. It’s a class at the end of the WCHR week for horses who qualify by winning a blue ribbon in one of their classes during the week. The class is held in the Grand Prix arena at Desert International Horse Park, under the lights, and includes both 3’6” rounds and 3’9”. Q has no problem rising to the occasion and, in fact, the bigger and scarier, the better. He was literally born to do this: big, beautiful jumps under the lights. He was next to last, and the horse after him was more than capable of taking the class but, in fact, Q won. I still get chills remembering it.

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In July 2025, Q, Emily, and I had the good fortune to be part of the Baran Hunter Classic, the inaugural European hunter classic at Tops International Arena in Valkenswaard, Netherlands. It was a big trip, but Q performed like the champ he is. We met so many amazing people, it was a team competition, and it was so much fun working with cohorts in that way. I could do a whole chapter on that experience but, to sum it up, our team finished 4th behind a group of the best hunters in the world. Q outdid himself in his handy round to the thrill of a European audience fascinated by our typically American way of riding.

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It can’t go without saying that without Emily Esau Williams, there may not be a Q. Emily’s immense talent and her profound connection to Q create the quintessential partnership that is essential for his championship achievements. It’s a rare thing to experience the necessary synchronicity of that kind of athletic excellence, both the rider and the horse together, stride for stride, making what is a difficult and complicated performance seem effortless. That’s exactly what Emily does.

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Q continues to shine over and over again. Not a traditionally “typy” hunter, his beauty lies in his strength, character, and incredible jump. Watching him best the International Hunter Derby courses gives me an indescribable thrill. Whether it is near our home in Southern California, Kentucky, or on the international stage, Q is truly a champion. Best boy Q! " ~ McKee Sport Horses