MSU Equestrians Take the Region
BOZEMAN—The Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Equestrians at Montana State University (MSU) has continued to grow and has attracted the top 40 Western and English riders at the University. There is a record number of riders competing on both the Western and English Teams. The increased competition for positions on the team has led to an increased level performance, indicated by the achievements made by both teams at the first shows of the season.
On October 8th and 9th the Western team traveled to Billings to compete at the first show hosted by Rocky Mountain College. The other teams at the competition included University of Montana, University of Montana Western, and Utah State University. After the first competition, the Western team is ranked 3rd overall in the region, however, they are only five points away from tying Utah State University for the 2nd place slot. Montana State University earned Reserve High Point Team for the Sunday Morning show. Kayla Seaman is the first rider from Montana State University to qualify for Western Regionals and four other riders look to qualify this coming weekend when the team travels to Logan, UT for their second show.
This past weekend, October 15th and 16th, both the Western and English Teams came together to host the first English show of the season at Tri-H stables in Bozeman, MT. Competing against Rocky Mountain College, University of Montana, University of Montana Western, and Utah State University, Montana State University was the High Point Team for each of the four shows held over the weekend. Montana State University currently leads the region as a team by 45 points. Over the course of weekend, MSU had four riders qualify for regionals including, Mary Martin, Kristina Kilts, Ellie Poteat, and Hannah Gomel. The English team will not compete again until Spring semester, but they plan to qualify an additional 10-15 riders for Regionals in March.
The English show in Bozeman, MT would not have been a success if it wasn’t for the hard work and efforts of the Western team managing the barn, running concessions, and assisting with the show committee. The Equestrian Club would like to thank the parents and volunteers that came out and supported the riders over the weekend. In addition, the Equestrian Club would like to extend their deep appreciation to the horse owners that donated their horses to be used for the show, Tri-H Stables for their continued support, and all of our incredible sponsors.
Both the Western and English Teams are off to a phenomenal start to the season and look forward to continual improvement and success in and outside of the show arena. Go Bobcats!
