Spring Break
Equestrian team takes second at intercollegiate national show
Team has sights set high for next year after its best showing since its inception in 2000
Ben Sundberg
Issue date: 5/13/09 Section: News
Last month, the Oregon State University equestrian team finished out the 2008-2009 season at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association National Competition in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The team's season included over 37 podium finishes and concluded with a second-place finish at nationals above 24 other teams from around the country.
This marks the best finish that OSU has made at nationals since the team was founded in 2000. In the last three seasons, OSU has finished third (most recent), fourth and ninth.
"We had a very strong team this year," said sophomore rider Hayley McGuire. "All of the girls worked really hard to get here."
Thirteen riders made the trip to Tennessee; five participated in team events in Western Horsemanship and Reining. Three others competed individually in Hunt Seat Equitation and Jumping.
Two riders in particular, Sara Gibson and Katie Curtis, qualified for the American Quarter Horse Association Cup and the Cacchionne Cup, respectively.
The team began the season last September competing in roughly 10 competitions prior to going to the IHSA National Competition.
"Before we left for nationals, we were practicing at least five days a week," said freshman rider Liz Whitman.
The key to OSU's success is a combination of a dedicated team and a strong bond between members.
According to Whitman, her key to success was "the support that I got from my team and my coach. It's pretty nerve-racking, and they calm you down."
"We had a lot of new members this year … a lot of very driven people … we had a lot of very good consistent practices," said senior rider Katie Curtis.
Tryouts for the team will take place next fall, and the team currently has its sights set high.
"Next year, we are definitely going for first," Whitman said.
With such a large batch of returning riders, expect to see an even more competitive and successful team next year.
"East Coast schools don't see West Coast schools as a threat. Hopefully now they see that we are a threat and we have a lot to bring to the competition," McGuire said.
Ben Sundberg, staff writer
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
This marks the best finish that OSU has made at nationals since the team was founded in 2000. In the last three seasons, OSU has finished third (most recent), fourth and ninth.
"We had a very strong team this year," said sophomore rider Hayley McGuire. "All of the girls worked really hard to get here."
Thirteen riders made the trip to Tennessee; five participated in team events in Western Horsemanship and Reining. Three others competed individually in Hunt Seat Equitation and Jumping.
Two riders in particular, Sara Gibson and Katie Curtis, qualified for the American Quarter Horse Association Cup and the Cacchionne Cup, respectively.
The team began the season last September competing in roughly 10 competitions prior to going to the IHSA National Competition.
"Before we left for nationals, we were practicing at least five days a week," said freshman rider Liz Whitman.
The key to OSU's success is a combination of a dedicated team and a strong bond between members.
According to Whitman, her key to success was "the support that I got from my team and my coach. It's pretty nerve-racking, and they calm you down."
"We had a lot of new members this year … a lot of very driven people … we had a lot of very good consistent practices," said senior rider Katie Curtis.
Tryouts for the team will take place next fall, and the team currently has its sights set high.
"Next year, we are definitely going for first," Whitman said.
With such a large batch of returning riders, expect to see an even more competitive and successful team next year.
"East Coast schools don't see West Coast schools as a threat. Hopefully now they see that we are a threat and we have a lot to bring to the competition," McGuire said.
Ben Sundberg, staff writer
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
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