Busy weekend for equestrian team
Trojans solid in final western show and regionals
A busy weekend concluded the regular season western schedule at the CCC Agricultural Center as the Colby Community College equestrian team hosted a western show on Feb. 29 and the IHSA Zone 8 Region 5 Championship on March 1.
In Saturday's show, the Trojans finished as the high-point team. Freshman Lexi Penke qualified for the regional championships in level 1 horsemanship. Class wins went to Amber Graber, Adrianne Schaunaman, Mikayla Graham, Nichole Patry, Madison Lange, and Emma Jolley. Open riders Schaunaman and Graber tied for high point rider of the day.
Teams in the region gathered that evening at a banquet hosted by Frahm Farmland to celebrate the conclusion of western season competition. During the event, CCC was recognized as Reserve High Point Western Team.
On Sunday, regional qualifiers Merriah Bockmann, Kayla Engwicht, Graber, Rachel Hurla, Jolley, Patry, Penke, and Schaunaman all made it to the finals. The following riders advanced to the IHSA semi-finals that will be held March 20-22 in El Reno, Okla.:
Hurla – champion, beginner horsemanship.
Patry – champion, rookie horsemanship.
Bockmann – champion, level 1 horsemanship.
Penke – reserve champion, level 1 horsemanship.
Schaunaman – champion, level 2 horsemanship.
Graber – reserve champion, level 2 horsemanship.
"I continue to be impressed by this group of ladies," said Head Coach Shanda Mattix. "They work hard to achieve their personal goals and our team goals and are supportive of one another. They make me really proud!"
The event results combined with the work of hosting a show emphasize what the Trojans accomplished.
"Home competitions are always a time commitment in mental preparedness, physical preparedness of both the horse and rider, and preparedness of facilities," Mattix said. "We rely on many volunteers to make the weekend successful. Thanks to everyone who contributed to our success."
The hunt seat riders compete again March 13-14 in Colorado Springs, with the regional championships to follow on March 15.