Emma was bred by the trustees of the Earl of Strathmore of Gibside Park, near Newcastle, and of Streatlam Castle, Durham. She was purchased by W Russell of Brancepeth Castle and then sold to John Bowes (1811-1885), the illegitimate son of the late earl and countess of Strathmore, from whom he inherited the estates of Gibside and Streatlam. "The Druid" describes Emma as being long and low, standing just short of fifteen hands two inches, and of lighter bone than her dam.

She was the dam of the Derby winner Mundig (ch c 1832 Catton), the Derby and Two Thousand Guineas winner Cotherstone (b c 1840 Touchstone), 2nd dam of the Cesarewitch winner Audrey (b f 1856 Stockwell), 3rd dam of Royal Hunt Cup winner Forbidden Fruit (br c 1853 Birdcatcher or Gameboy), and of the Ascot Gold Vase winner and worthy stallion Parmesan (br c 1857 Sweetmeat). Emma was also the ancestress of the Derby and St Leger winner Donovan (b c 1866 Galopin) and the triple crown winner West Australian (b c 1850 Melbourne), the latter also bred by John Bowes. Emma died in 1852, "quite worn out".