With an album by Maralyn Fink
The Equestrian team started over 25 years ago, and they meet twice a week during August and September for riding and class. Kathy Lowell is the Captain and Janice Mehney is the Assistant Coach. The Captain of the team is Hannah Campbell. There are 8 girls and 1 male and are from the 9th thru 12th grades. The largest team they have had numbered 25.
Most of the team are experienced riders, but some are not. Some of them already have their own horse. The horses compete until their early twenties. This is a diverse group of riders and ride western, hunt seat, saddle seat and gymkaha.
Competitions consist of three meets in the District meet; if all three are won they go on to Regionals. If all three of the Regionals are won then they advance to State Competition. All District and Regional meets are held in Mason, and the State is held in Midland.
The horses are 365 days of work and care. Some of the students use their own horse at practice and the ride them at their home. This includes doing a lot of riding and learning all the maneuvers. I was told that the horses retain what they learn as long as the maneuvers are practiced. Girls are willing to fill in where needed, so they have to learn all of the maneuvers.
The group has plenty of parental support as well as from the Coach and Assistant Coach.
There is no money from the High School because the team raises their own money as a team. They have bake sales at TSC and Family Farm and Home as well as at basketball games. The School does, however, give medals and letters as long as you have been on the team for at least 2 years. The members also can apply for a scholarship thru MIHA.
The team members are as follows:
Hannah Campbell
Symone Wilkins
Alissa Elms
Brooke Mehney
Ethian McPherson
Kara Weatherwax
Brooke Bauer
Taylor Davis
Carola Mannila, Exchange Student
I wish to thank the Coach and Assistant Coach for having me out to do this interview and to all the girls for talking with me. It was enjoyable, and I learned a lot about The Equestrian Club. Thanks also to all the horses I got to pet.