Congratulations to Carla Wennburg and the IHSA Western team for placing second at this weekend’s semi finals hosted at SAPC and advancing to the National Championships, May 6 – 9 in Lexington, KY. Boy did we have a big weekend! Two full days of competition, a Pig Pickin Saturday evening and a nail biting finish placing us closely behind the current National Champions from the University of Findlay.
We also had three individuals advance to the National Championship, Kelsey Moody in both Open Horsemanship and Reining, Shannon Leggett in Novice Horsemanship and Megan Stiles in Intermediate Horsemanship. The complete results are posted on the SAPC Equestrian website.
The semi finals are held in three locations on the same weekend (the other two being in NY and CA). We had 100 riders from 22 schools competing for the opportunity to advance to Nationals. The show ran smoothly, our horses were wonderful, the students worked long hours to prepare the facility and the horses. (Two mornings with 6:00 a.m. or earlier starts makes for a long weekend!) NCSU, NC A & T, VA Tech, Jessica Rhymer Paige, and several other individuals loaned us a total of 18 horses – thank you all for your generosity with your horses. The individual classes were big with 14 riders in each class. Each rider performed a pattern as well as rail work and so these classes lasted a good hour. The team classes were smaller with one rider from each of the seven qualifying colleges representing their school.
The SAPC Equestrian team and staff really pulled together to put on a first class show. All the western team worked incredibly long hours to prepare the horses and the hunt seat and dressage teams rose to the occasion to help with clean up and horse holding. This weekend was a great example of the teamwork and peer support that SAPC is known for. As Carla likes to say, “It takes a village…”
Last big event at the Equestrian Center this semester is IDA Nationals, April 24 – 25.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
March Update
Time flies in the spring! Spring break was a great catch up time for everyone involved with the Equestrian Program. March 8th the semester resumed with the Awards Convocation on Friday the 12th. Rachel Buckler was recognized by the Equine Studies department for her outstanding contributions to the equestrian program and Philip Ratchford was recognized for his leadership in the therapeutic riding program. Both these students have high GPAs and demonstrate in their daily lives what it means to be “in college”. Congratulations to our student leaders.
Scot Evans spent three days with hunt seat students and staff that weekend helping to prepare riders for IHSA Regionals and ANRC. He is always a breath of fresh air and inspires everyone to do their best. It was also parents weekend and we were delighted to host a reception at the Equestrian Center on Saturday evening. Greta Friesen’s Mom gets the award for the biggest surprise by flying in from Hawaii to be with Greta for the weekend. She arrived as the choir was preparing to sing at the Awards Convocation leaving her daughter almost speechless!
This weekend we were going in multiple directions again. Liz, Pebbles and 8 students travelled to West Virginia for the NARHA regional conference. The conference was hosted by Stonewall Resort provided excellent meals and hospitality for the participants. Speakers from all over the country including California and the Midwest presented on various subjects including recent research on human behavior and human mechanics in a therapeutic riding setting.
The dressage team went to a dressage show in Pinehurst and had a fun relaxing day, riding well and working on their Farmer’s tans! Hannah Soloway and Gordon and Jessica Cusaac and Nikkita earned good scores and ribbons at training level, Donna Fowble and Winston placed in 4th in First Level Test Two and Greta Friesen and Leggs placed 2nd in the upper level mixed division earning 65% in Fourth level Test One.
Meanwhile…back at the ranch Peggy, Ashley, Lindsay, Heather and Marsha had IHSA Hunt Seat Regionals. All the horses were superstars, the hunt seat and western teams did a fabulous job of preparing the facility and the horses; the show ran very smoothly with several riders qualifying for IHSA Zones in April. Congratulations to the following riders who will go to Virginia Tech April 11th to compete at the Zone finals to earn a spot at IHSA Nationals.
Leah Davison - 1st Place - Walk Trot
Jenn Callahan - 1st Place - Walk Trot Canter
Andrew Michael - 2nd Place - Novice over Fences
Audrey Bolte - 1st Place - Intermediate Flat
Rob Jacobs - 2nd Place - Intermediate Flat
This weekend we are hosting IHSA Western Semi Finals. This show runs for three days and is the qualifying event for IHSA Nationals in May. Carla and Torre and the western team are busily preparing the horses and Dale is getting the ring fixed for the reining horses. We also have an open house on Saturday so it should be anther busy weekend!
Scot Evans spent three days with hunt seat students and staff that weekend helping to prepare riders for IHSA Regionals and ANRC. He is always a breath of fresh air and inspires everyone to do their best. It was also parents weekend and we were delighted to host a reception at the Equestrian Center on Saturday evening. Greta Friesen’s Mom gets the award for the biggest surprise by flying in from Hawaii to be with Greta for the weekend. She arrived as the choir was preparing to sing at the Awards Convocation leaving her daughter almost speechless!
This weekend we were going in multiple directions again. Liz, Pebbles and 8 students travelled to West Virginia for the NARHA regional conference. The conference was hosted by Stonewall Resort provided excellent meals and hospitality for the participants. Speakers from all over the country including California and the Midwest presented on various subjects including recent research on human behavior and human mechanics in a therapeutic riding setting.
The dressage team went to a dressage show in Pinehurst and had a fun relaxing day, riding well and working on their Farmer’s tans! Hannah Soloway and Gordon and Jessica Cusaac and Nikkita earned good scores and ribbons at training level, Donna Fowble and Winston placed in 4th in First Level Test Two and Greta Friesen and Leggs placed 2nd in the upper level mixed division earning 65% in Fourth level Test One.
Meanwhile…back at the ranch Peggy, Ashley, Lindsay, Heather and Marsha had IHSA Hunt Seat Regionals. All the horses were superstars, the hunt seat and western teams did a fabulous job of preparing the facility and the horses; the show ran very smoothly with several riders qualifying for IHSA Zones in April. Congratulations to the following riders who will go to Virginia Tech April 11th to compete at the Zone finals to earn a spot at IHSA Nationals.
Leah Davison - 1st Place - Walk Trot
Jenn Callahan - 1st Place - Walk Trot Canter
Andrew Michael - 2nd Place - Novice over Fences
Audrey Bolte - 1st Place - Intermediate Flat
Rob Jacobs - 2nd Place - Intermediate Flat
This weekend we are hosting IHSA Western Semi Finals. This show runs for three days and is the qualifying event for IHSA Nationals in May. Carla and Torre and the western team are busily preparing the horses and Dale is getting the ring fixed for the reining horses. We also have an open house on Saturday so it should be anther busy weekend!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Spring Break is Here!
Thursday’s IDA show ran very smoothly, most of the horses behaved although Winston, Nikita and Clyde wanted to remind us that the older horses can spook with the best of them! SAPC riders had a great day and our Team B were the champions for the day!
SAPC Team B
Casey Curtis - 5th at First Level - 61.11%
Donna Fowble - 3rd Upper Training - 66.4%
Lindsay Agaliotis - 2nd Lower Training - 61.79%
Jessica Cusaac - 2nd Intro 70% and......Reserve High Point Rider!!!!!!!!!
Individual Results
Madison Webb - 3rd Lower Training - 61.43%
Lauren Parker - 6th Lower Training - 53.93%
Olivia Taylor - 5th Intro - 66%
Being the final IDA show of the regular season there was lot of pressure for those in contention for slots at Nationals. Greta Frisen from SAPC qualified for Nationals in the first level division. Virginia Intermont and Virginia Tech will represent region I in April at SAPC.
This weekend the ANRC squad is schooling at the Carolina Horse Park and the dressage team is showing in Pinehurst on Sunday. Next week is spring break which everyone is ready for! Looking forward March 13 – 14 we will be hosting a NARHA instructor workshop, a Scot Evans clinic and it is also parents weekend. The last two weekends in March will be filled with IHSA Regionals and Western Semi-Finals at SAPC.
SAPC Team B
Casey Curtis - 5th at First Level - 61.11%
Donna Fowble - 3rd Upper Training - 66.4%
Lindsay Agaliotis - 2nd Lower Training - 61.79%
Jessica Cusaac - 2nd Intro 70% and......Reserve High Point Rider!!!!!!!!!
Individual Results
Madison Webb - 3rd Lower Training - 61.43%
Lauren Parker - 6th Lower Training - 53.93%
Olivia Taylor - 5th Intro - 66%
Being the final IDA show of the regular season there was lot of pressure for those in contention for slots at Nationals. Greta Frisen from SAPC qualified for Nationals in the first level division. Virginia Intermont and Virginia Tech will represent region I in April at SAPC.
This weekend the ANRC squad is schooling at the Carolina Horse Park and the dressage team is showing in Pinehurst on Sunday. Next week is spring break which everyone is ready for! Looking forward March 13 – 14 we will be hosting a NARHA instructor workshop, a Scot Evans clinic and it is also parents weekend. The last two weekends in March will be filled with IHSA Regionals and Western Semi-Finals at SAPC.
Friday, February 19, 2010
February is Crazy!
So postings in February have not happened because we have been extremely busy! There has been at least one horse show every weekend sometimes two or three! The weather has caused shows to be postponed and times changed. In spite of that we have had a ton of competition and a lot of fun.
The IHSA hunt seat team hosted on Feb 6th, travelled to Elon on Feb 14th, and just returned from Virginia Intermont. SAPC was reserve champion at Virginia Intermont and 8 students qualified for regional finals which will be hosted at SAPC on March 20th
The IDA team travelled to Virginia Tech on Feb 8th, Averett on Feb 13th, are preparing to leave for Virginia Intermont tomorrow and are hosting on Thursday Feb 25th! The high point so far was Andrea Tito’s high point score of 74% in training level test 3 at Virginia Tech! Before leaving for Bristol tomorrow team members will ride in a clinic with Kris Hamilton in the morning. (The weather is finally going to be a tiny bit warmer – yeah!)
This next part was written by Equine Event Management Intern Karen Gruninger
Last weekend the St. Andrews Equestrian center hosted 2 regular season Western Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) shows on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday they hosted the Western Regional Finals. At all three horse shows the St. Andrews team was the High Point Team. The riders did very well and had many who qualified for Regionals and many who went on to qualify for Semi- Finals which will also be held at the St. Andrews Equestrian Center on March 26- 28. Kelsey Moody qualified in Open Horsemanship and Reining, and will represent St. Andrews in Kentucky at the National Championships for the High Point Rider Competition. Others who qualified for the Semi-Nationals by winning their classes are Shannon Leggett in Novice Horsemanship, Megan Stiles in Intermediate Horsemanship, and Kimmie Simonsen in Beginner Horsemanship.
Other highlights from the weekend include Alex Myers winning Intermediate Horsemanship II on Friday, Kimmie Simonsen winning the Intermediate Horsemanship I both Friday and Saturday, Tony Fernandez winning the Advanced Horsemanship on Friday and Megan Stiles winning the Novice Horsemanship on Friday. Also on Friday, Erica Hill won the Open Horsemanship and Kelsey Moody took third. On Saturday Kelsey Moody won both the Reining and the Open Horsemanship. In the Walk Jog class Leah Davidson took the class by storm. Many other riders from SAPC placed high as well throughout the weekend. The St. Andrews Equestrian center is proud to be able to host these events and thanks everyone who worked to make it run or came out to support and cheer on the riders.
Finally, spring break is just over a week away, I think everyone is more than ready for a breather before the craziness resumes!
The IHSA hunt seat team hosted on Feb 6th, travelled to Elon on Feb 14th, and just returned from Virginia Intermont. SAPC was reserve champion at Virginia Intermont and 8 students qualified for regional finals which will be hosted at SAPC on March 20th
The IDA team travelled to Virginia Tech on Feb 8th, Averett on Feb 13th, are preparing to leave for Virginia Intermont tomorrow and are hosting on Thursday Feb 25th! The high point so far was Andrea Tito’s high point score of 74% in training level test 3 at Virginia Tech! Before leaving for Bristol tomorrow team members will ride in a clinic with Kris Hamilton in the morning. (The weather is finally going to be a tiny bit warmer – yeah!)
This next part was written by Equine Event Management Intern Karen Gruninger
Last weekend the St. Andrews Equestrian center hosted 2 regular season Western Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) shows on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday they hosted the Western Regional Finals. At all three horse shows the St. Andrews team was the High Point Team. The riders did very well and had many who qualified for Regionals and many who went on to qualify for Semi- Finals which will also be held at the St. Andrews Equestrian Center on March 26- 28. Kelsey Moody qualified in Open Horsemanship and Reining, and will represent St. Andrews in Kentucky at the National Championships for the High Point Rider Competition. Others who qualified for the Semi-Nationals by winning their classes are Shannon Leggett in Novice Horsemanship, Megan Stiles in Intermediate Horsemanship, and Kimmie Simonsen in Beginner Horsemanship.
Other highlights from the weekend include Alex Myers winning Intermediate Horsemanship II on Friday, Kimmie Simonsen winning the Intermediate Horsemanship I both Friday and Saturday, Tony Fernandez winning the Advanced Horsemanship on Friday and Megan Stiles winning the Novice Horsemanship on Friday. Also on Friday, Erica Hill won the Open Horsemanship and Kelsey Moody took third. On Saturday Kelsey Moody won both the Reining and the Open Horsemanship. In the Walk Jog class Leah Davidson took the class by storm. Many other riders from SAPC placed high as well throughout the weekend. The St. Andrews Equestrian center is proud to be able to host these events and thanks everyone who worked to make it run or came out to support and cheer on the riders.
Finally, spring break is just over a week away, I think everyone is more than ready for a breather before the craziness resumes!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Spring 2010
The first couple of weeks of spring classes have flown by. Ashley, Lindsay and six students returned from Florida on the 20th having had an educational and fun trip to Florida. The temperatures were cold and all riders except one were partnering with new horses . SAPCs Glen was champion both weeks with Audrey Bolte week one and Jodi Brinn in week two. Betsy Kaplan and her new horse Tucker were reserve in the same division. Rob Jacobs and his new ride Frankie won the 3’3” Adult Classic.
Also on that Monday many SAPC equestrians participated in the Martin Luther King day of service. This is a new event for the school and approx. 140 staff, faculty and students volunteered their time at local charities or for campus clean up. Service sites included the Red Cross, The Haven and Helping Hands Store. Students that were not involved in the day of service gave their time to their work study jobs.
The Laurinburg Exchange ran a great article summing up the long road to recovery for Focus the USERL rescue horse that was so badly hurt in a storm last May. Dr. Kellam spent many hours caring for this horse (including sleeping at the barn for many days), many other individuals have assisted in his care, area businesses donated supplies for his dressings and the best part of the story is that he has now been officially adopted by Jen Bruner. You can read the whole story at http://www.laurinburgexchange.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Horse+injured+in+storm+receives+community+support%20&id=5561562
This weekend we are hosting the first ever head-to-head competition with Duke. This is an unofficial competition for IHSA hunt seat riders and takes place on Sunday. Next weekend is the first IHSA western shows for this year. Two shows back to back on Saturday and Sunday.
Also on that Monday many SAPC equestrians participated in the Martin Luther King day of service. This is a new event for the school and approx. 140 staff, faculty and students volunteered their time at local charities or for campus clean up. Service sites included the Red Cross, The Haven and Helping Hands Store. Students that were not involved in the day of service gave their time to their work study jobs.
The Laurinburg Exchange ran a great article summing up the long road to recovery for Focus the USERL rescue horse that was so badly hurt in a storm last May. Dr. Kellam spent many hours caring for this horse (including sleeping at the barn for many days), many other individuals have assisted in his care, area businesses donated supplies for his dressings and the best part of the story is that he has now been officially adopted by Jen Bruner. You can read the whole story at http://www.laurinburgexchange.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Horse+injured+in+storm+receives+community+support%20&id=5561562
This weekend we are hosting the first ever head-to-head competition with Duke. This is an unofficial competition for IHSA hunt seat riders and takes place on Sunday. Next weekend is the first IHSA western shows for this year. Two shows back to back on Saturday and Sunday.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
2009 Retrospective
The equestrian staff took a moment to reflect on some of the memorable events in 2009.
- New enthusiastic and energetic staff members joined the equestrian staff in 2009.
- Showing Under the Stars seems to be a staff favorite especially the Halloween edition where many of the staff join with students for the costume parade.
- Rob Jacob’s win at the IHSA National Championships in the Novice Over Fences division was a moment to remember.
- Every IHSA western team rider placed in their class at the National Championships.
- IDA team qualified two riders (Greta Friesen and Lauren Parker) for the National Championships.
- Restructuring saw the creation of the Equine Studies Department, chaired by Pebbles.
- The successful creation and delivery of online classes in both Equine Business and Therapeutic Riding.
Horse wise we said goodbye to Gunsmoke (GQ), Jester, Kampari, and Tuffin. Satchmo retired to Shelby French’s farm in Sweet Briar and Wheels found a child locally in Laurinburg. (He actually lives with Mike Kryszak). Bobby Lou went to live at Ann Neal Thompson’s farm and Lucky found himself a family in the Hope Mills area and competes in dressage and jumping at local shows with his teenage owner.
Friday, December 11, 2009
End of the Semester
Its exam week and things are winding down at the Equestrian Center. Monday evening several of us joined Carla’s Form to Function class for a presentation by Rob Jacobs. Rob recently did an internship with the Washington International Horse Show. He had a busy week in Washington updating the show’s webpage, facebook and twitter pages, taking video footage of the first horse arriving in the city, assisting with the organization of hospitality for sponsors, and even appearing on ABC News Channel 8 – live!
Tuesday evening a group spent a couple of hours packing about 200 boxes to be shipped overseas to soldiers. This tradition started 4 years ago and has become a highlight of the Christmas season. Carla’s Mom sponsors the project and collects tons of boxes. SAPC equestrians purchase useful items for the boxes – things like toiletries, snacks, cards and games. This year we ran out of stuff before we ran out of boxes. Peggy came to the rescue making two trips into town to purchase more stuff. Everything was loaded into Carla’s horse trailer to be delivered to the VFW Post in Southern Pines. Thursday lunchtime Jake Nix, Shannon Leggett, Rachel Buckler & Anne Neal Thompson accompanied Carla to drop off the stuff. Thank you to Nancy Wennberg, Peggy, Carla and everyone who helped with this project. As Carla says, “This is Christmas!”
Wednesday evening Riding Council hosted their annual Christmas party at the farm house. The barn staff decorated the farm house (including inflatables on the front lawn). Rank testing certificates were handed out and Lindsay, Heather and Ashley cooked for the hordes.
Next week things will be quieter as students finish up exams and head home for Christmas break. Those of us with academic classes will be scrambling to get grades turned in and all equestrian staff members will be pitching in with horse care.
Tuesday evening a group spent a couple of hours packing about 200 boxes to be shipped overseas to soldiers. This tradition started 4 years ago and has become a highlight of the Christmas season. Carla’s Mom sponsors the project and collects tons of boxes. SAPC equestrians purchase useful items for the boxes – things like toiletries, snacks, cards and games. This year we ran out of stuff before we ran out of boxes. Peggy came to the rescue making two trips into town to purchase more stuff. Everything was loaded into Carla’s horse trailer to be delivered to the VFW Post in Southern Pines. Thursday lunchtime Jake Nix, Shannon Leggett, Rachel Buckler & Anne Neal Thompson accompanied Carla to drop off the stuff. Thank you to Nancy Wennberg, Peggy, Carla and everyone who helped with this project. As Carla says, “This is Christmas!”
Wednesday evening Riding Council hosted their annual Christmas party at the farm house. The barn staff decorated the farm house (including inflatables on the front lawn). Rank testing certificates were handed out and Lindsay, Heather and Ashley cooked for the hordes.
Next week things will be quieter as students finish up exams and head home for Christmas break. Those of us with academic classes will be scrambling to get grades turned in and all equestrian staff members will be pitching in with horse care.
Monday, December 7, 2009
IDA Update
IDA has had a slow start in Region I this semester with several shows being cancelled for one reason or another. Saturday Dec 5th was wet and cold but that did not dampen the enthusiasm of the teams that gathered at Buckhorn Farm in Apex, NC. Bridget and the Wolf Pack Dressage team put an a first rate show with a tent for the horses to stand in between rides and horse trailers for coaches and riders to shelter in. I personally want to thank all the owners (and there were many) who so kindly allowed their horses to be used for the show. Your generosity made the show possible.
Competition was intense in every division with Virginia Tech winning 3 or the 4 divisions and ending up with 21 points (the max. possible at a show). St. Andrews riders had a good showing with Greta Friesen placing 2nd at first level and Jessica Cusaac placing 3rd in the intro division. For Lenior Rhyne and East Carolina University this was their first IDA show. Beth Bengala the coach for ECU summed up the atmosphere that we all enjoy at IDA shows, “I personally enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and look forward to upcoming shows!”
The IDA team is preparing for dressage month (Feb) when we have 4 shows!
Competition was intense in every division with Virginia Tech winning 3 or the 4 divisions and ending up with 21 points (the max. possible at a show). St. Andrews riders had a good showing with Greta Friesen placing 2nd at first level and Jessica Cusaac placing 3rd in the intro division. For Lenior Rhyne and East Carolina University this was their first IDA show. Beth Bengala the coach for ECU summed up the atmosphere that we all enjoy at IDA shows, “I personally enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and look forward to upcoming shows!”
The IDA team is preparing for dressage month (Feb) when we have 4 shows!
IHSA Hunter Seat Update
From Ashley Duda IHSA Coach.
On November 16th, members of the IHSA Hunter Seat Team traveled north to compete at Virginia Intermont. Heading into this competition, the team was tied for the lead in the region with Virginia Intermont and was one point in front of Virginia Tech. Competing against Virginia Intermont at home is always difficult because the school has a very talented team. However, the Knights were ready to compete when they traveled to the farm in Bristol, Virginia on November 17th.
Usually the weather is cold, icy, and windy when St. Andrews travels to VI. Fortunately, the weather for this IHSA show was warm and delightful. Even the riders from Laurinburg stayed warm throughout the day! The morning started off with strong performances over fences. Audrey Hayden debuted in Open Equitation Over Fences and placed third. Rob Jacobs and Alie McGraw had strong performances and both earned second place ribbons in Intermediate Equitation Over Fences and Novice Equitation Over Fences, respectively.
As the flat classes began, the riding stayed strong. Katie Hansen, Rob Jacobs, Brittany Calderwood, and Blake Liljestrand all won flat classes. Rob and Blake remained undefeated on the flat for the 2009-2010 season. One highlight of the day was Brittany’s ride. VI was Brittany’s first riding competition. She drew Prima, one of Ashley’s favorite IHSA horses, and rode her beautifully! The entire team was very proud of Brittany’s great ride.
The team rode very well against tough competition and ended up Reserve Champion for the day. The team did lose a little of their lead to VI. The IHSA Hunter Seat Team now is ten points behind VI but three points ahead of Virginia Tech. Peggy and Ashley are making plans to help riders prepare for an intense IHSA spring show schedule. The next show IHSA Hunter Seat Show will be held on February 6th at St. Andrews. Go KNIGHTS!
On November 16th, members of the IHSA Hunter Seat Team traveled north to compete at Virginia Intermont. Heading into this competition, the team was tied for the lead in the region with Virginia Intermont and was one point in front of Virginia Tech. Competing against Virginia Intermont at home is always difficult because the school has a very talented team. However, the Knights were ready to compete when they traveled to the farm in Bristol, Virginia on November 17th.
Usually the weather is cold, icy, and windy when St. Andrews travels to VI. Fortunately, the weather for this IHSA show was warm and delightful. Even the riders from Laurinburg stayed warm throughout the day! The morning started off with strong performances over fences. Audrey Hayden debuted in Open Equitation Over Fences and placed third. Rob Jacobs and Alie McGraw had strong performances and both earned second place ribbons in Intermediate Equitation Over Fences and Novice Equitation Over Fences, respectively.
As the flat classes began, the riding stayed strong. Katie Hansen, Rob Jacobs, Brittany Calderwood, and Blake Liljestrand all won flat classes. Rob and Blake remained undefeated on the flat for the 2009-2010 season. One highlight of the day was Brittany’s ride. VI was Brittany’s first riding competition. She drew Prima, one of Ashley’s favorite IHSA horses, and rode her beautifully! The entire team was very proud of Brittany’s great ride.
The team rode very well against tough competition and ended up Reserve Champion for the day. The team did lose a little of their lead to VI. The IHSA Hunter Seat Team now is ten points behind VI but three points ahead of Virginia Tech. Peggy and Ashley are making plans to help riders prepare for an intense IHSA spring show schedule. The next show IHSA Hunter Seat Show will be held on February 6th at St. Andrews. Go KNIGHTS!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Horse Shows and Equitrial
Its been a busy couple of weeks at SAPC! Lindsay contributed the Raleigh results and Peggy the Equitrial report.
Triangle Raleigh Oct 30th-Nov 1st
Allie McGraw rode Glenn to Res Champion in the Pre-Ch/Ad Hunter Division
Sara Warren rode Dill to several top ribbons (2nds, 3rds) in the Pre-Ch/Ad Hunter and Eq Divisions
Kali Cram rode Busy to 4th out of 47 in the TRiangle Farms Eq Cup and two 1sts in Pre-Ch/Ad Eq over fences
Karen Gruninger rode Quincey to Res Champion in Long Stirrup and won both under saddle classes both days
Katherine Laughlin rode Spike to Champion in Long stirrup winning all over fences classes on Sunday
Both Sami and Katy H showed in NCHJA Adult Medal Finals which they had to qualify for over the previous season
Sami Cram rode Happy to 7th in the NCHJA Adult Medal Finals and Res Ch in the Adult Hunter Divisions Happy thought she was back doing grand prix...)
Katy Hutchings rode Easy to 4th place in the NCHJA Adult Medal Finals
Duke AA Raleigh Nov 4th-8th
Katelyn Lang rode Ava to good ribbonns in the LG Jr Hunters against top hunters from around the country
Rob Jacobs rode Glenn to top ribbons out of over 15 in the Pre-Adult Hunters against tough competition
Tricia James rode Nick at her first AA show and won her first Pre-Childrens Hunter over fences and other top ribbons out of 19 top horse/rider combos
American National Riding Commission
St. Andrews hosted an ANRC Equitrial on Sunday, November 8, 2009. Ten students participated in the Equitrial and received a National Rider Rating. The testing for the ratings included a hunter seat equitation flat test that included movements from the USEF equitation tests and a hunter seat equitation medal course over fences. Riders tested for either Level 1 (the introductory level) or Level 2 (the intermediate level). The testing was judged by Laura Norment from New Bern, NC an ANRC and USEF judge.
Congratulations to these St. Andrews riders!
Level One
Audrey Bolte
Jenn Callahan
Karen Gruninger
Katy Hutchings
Betsy Kaplan
Katherine Laughlin – High Point Rider Level One
Level Two
Kim Graves
Katie Hansen – High Point Rider Level Two
Audrey Hayden
Caroline Taylor
Triangle Raleigh Oct 30th-Nov 1st
Allie McGraw rode Glenn to Res Champion in the Pre-Ch/Ad Hunter Division
Sara Warren rode Dill to several top ribbons (2nds, 3rds) in the Pre-Ch/Ad Hunter and Eq Divisions
Kali Cram rode Busy to 4th out of 47 in the TRiangle Farms Eq Cup and two 1sts in Pre-Ch/Ad Eq over fences
Karen Gruninger rode Quincey to Res Champion in Long Stirrup and won both under saddle classes both days
Katherine Laughlin rode Spike to Champion in Long stirrup winning all over fences classes on Sunday
Both Sami and Katy H showed in NCHJA Adult Medal Finals which they had to qualify for over the previous season
Sami Cram rode Happy to 7th in the NCHJA Adult Medal Finals and Res Ch in the Adult Hunter Divisions Happy thought she was back doing grand prix...)
Katy Hutchings rode Easy to 4th place in the NCHJA Adult Medal Finals
Duke AA Raleigh Nov 4th-8th
Katelyn Lang rode Ava to good ribbonns in the LG Jr Hunters against top hunters from around the country
Rob Jacobs rode Glenn to top ribbons out of over 15 in the Pre-Adult Hunters against tough competition
Tricia James rode Nick at her first AA show and won her first Pre-Childrens Hunter over fences and other top ribbons out of 19 top horse/rider combos
American National Riding Commission
St. Andrews hosted an ANRC Equitrial on Sunday, November 8, 2009. Ten students participated in the Equitrial and received a National Rider Rating. The testing for the ratings included a hunter seat equitation flat test that included movements from the USEF equitation tests and a hunter seat equitation medal course over fences. Riders tested for either Level 1 (the introductory level) or Level 2 (the intermediate level). The testing was judged by Laura Norment from New Bern, NC an ANRC and USEF judge.
Congratulations to these St. Andrews riders!
Level One
Audrey Bolte
Jenn Callahan
Karen Gruninger
Katy Hutchings
Betsy Kaplan
Katherine Laughlin – High Point Rider Level One
Level Two
Kim Graves
Katie Hansen – High Point Rider Level Two
Audrey Hayden
Caroline Taylor
Friday, October 30, 2009
Horse shows etc...
Pictures "borrowed" from Shannon Legget's facebook page
Showing Under the Stars last Friday was spectacular! We started off with freestyle reining followed by dressage musical freestyles and the annual costume parade. Must have been 20+ entries for the costume parade everyone of them was fabulous. After that craziness the evening settled down to western pleasure and hunt seat classes. Some students were showing at their first ever horse show – what a great way to start your show career!
Saturday was open house where we met a ton of people and the hunt seat seniors rode for Heather and Lindsay. Open house is always fun and we had lots of interest in the equestrian program from enthusiastic students and parents. Peggy and Lindsay travelled to Duke for a hunt seat IHSA show on Sunday and the rest of us had an easy day gearing up for the next week.
This weekend the western team is hosting IHSA shows on Saturday and Sunday. Lindsay is taking a group to Raleigh for a NCHJA show, I believe Ashley is meeting her there as soon as she lands at the airport on her way back from Australia! I am headed to Michelle Hargreaves Hidden K stables for an IDA show hosted by WFU – a new venue for us! Just a normal weekend for the equestrian program!
Friday, October 23, 2009
SAPC Student at Washington International Horse Show
Contributed by Kim Graves
Last weekend while the IHSA Hunt Seat team was making their way up to the chilly weather of Blacksburg, Virginia, another St. Andrews Equestrian was feeling the 30 degree weather and constant rain in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. SAPC Sophomore Kimberly Graves of Monroe, NC and her mount “Hand It Over”, lovingly known as “Bubba” accepted their letter of invitation to compete in the 2009 USEF Zone 3 Finals, held at the Washington International Horse show Local weekend. Approximately the top 20 horses in each division of the Zone, based on total USEF points, were invited. Kimberly and her horse were ranked 12th in the USEF Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35 standings. But that’s not going to last long. After a late night warm –up class, a 4:00 wakeup call, and a last place spot in the order of go it was finally the moment Kimberly had been waiting for. As soon as she stepped out of the ring to finish her second over fences class, Kimberly and Hand It Over were trotting right back into the ring for the top call in the jog. With a blue ribbon in the first class and a reserve call for the second, it all came down to the under saddle class to determine the Champion for the younger Adults. But Hand It Over stepped out of the line up where he lived up to his name and was once again handed over the blue rosette. With an accumulated total of 20 points Kimberly Graves and Hand It Over were once again invited back in to the ring to claim the Champion title. Not only were they crowned champion but they were now given the title of the 2009 Adult Amateur 18-35 USEF Zone 3 Finals Champion. “I could not have done it without the help of my wonderful professors who were willing to take time out to allow me to complete my tests and assignments early so that I could compete in this prestigious event. And to the Equestrian staff and Center for allowing me to stay in the saddle and keep my composure enough to where I can still be able to compete in such prominent events” commented Kimberly. A Tri color ribbon was not the only thing Kimberly brought back to St. Andrews, but a Champion Cooler to show her newly acquired accomplishment.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
IHSA Hunt Seat Team at VA Tech
From Peggy:
Fifteen St. Andrews riders, Peggy, and Heather boarded a bus Sunday morning at 3:45 a.m. for the trip to Blacksburg, VA to compete in the Virginia Tech IHSA Hunter Seat Show. It was 53 degrees when we left Laurinburg and 37 degrees when we arrived in Blacksburg. Quite a shock to our “Southern thin blood”!
Our riders continued to dominate the Intermediate Division. Rob Jacobs and Audrey Bolte each won their Intermediate Equitation on the Flat classes and Rob won the Intermediate Equitation over Fences. Additionally, Sarah Rafferty won the Advanced Walk, Trot, Canter Equitation on the Flat and Blake Liljestrand won the Walk, Trot Equitation on the Flat class. Way to go Knight Riders!
One of the best parts of our day in the mountains was having so many parents of our riders come to the show. Katie Hansen’s parents won the award for the farthest distance travelled (dad had come from Wisconsin!). Rob Jacob’s mom and dad were there and Rob left with them to return to Maryland for his week long internship at the Washington International Horse Show. Audrey Hayden’s (Northern Virginia) and Audrey Bolte’s (Ohio) parents were there to cheer us on.
It is always fun to go to Virginia Tech and to ride in their lovely indoor arena and to get to spend time with Teresa McDonald who is their Director and a great friend of all the St. Andrews family. The leaves were changing colors – something we have not even seen a hint of yet in Laurinburg – so we know that Fall is on its way even though it is still in the high 70’s here.
Our next trip is Sunday, October 25 to Ginny Rollins’ farm, Echo Creek, in Hillsborough, NC for a show hosted by Duke University.
Fifteen St. Andrews riders, Peggy, and Heather boarded a bus Sunday morning at 3:45 a.m. for the trip to Blacksburg, VA to compete in the Virginia Tech IHSA Hunter Seat Show. It was 53 degrees when we left Laurinburg and 37 degrees when we arrived in Blacksburg. Quite a shock to our “Southern thin blood”!
Our riders continued to dominate the Intermediate Division. Rob Jacobs and Audrey Bolte each won their Intermediate Equitation on the Flat classes and Rob won the Intermediate Equitation over Fences. Additionally, Sarah Rafferty won the Advanced Walk, Trot, Canter Equitation on the Flat and Blake Liljestrand won the Walk, Trot Equitation on the Flat class. Way to go Knight Riders!
One of the best parts of our day in the mountains was having so many parents of our riders come to the show. Katie Hansen’s parents won the award for the farthest distance travelled (dad had come from Wisconsin!). Rob Jacob’s mom and dad were there and Rob left with them to return to Maryland for his week long internship at the Washington International Horse Show. Audrey Hayden’s (Northern Virginia) and Audrey Bolte’s (Ohio) parents were there to cheer us on.
It is always fun to go to Virginia Tech and to ride in their lovely indoor arena and to get to spend time with Teresa McDonald who is their Director and a great friend of all the St. Andrews family. The leaves were changing colors – something we have not even seen a hint of yet in Laurinburg – so we know that Fall is on its way even though it is still in the high 70’s here.
Our next trip is Sunday, October 25 to Ginny Rollins’ farm, Echo Creek, in Hillsborough, NC for a show hosted by Duke University.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Its not all bad – finally some stability at SAPC
The Elephant in the room finally got noticed a week ago last Thursday when we learned that the judge in GA ruled in favor of the Southern Association (SACS) in the long standing lawsuit between us and the accrediting agency. Not a great start to fall break for students, staff or faculty. By the time fall break was over we learned that our programmatic accreditation with the American Academy of Liberal Education (AALE) had been upgraded to institutional preaccreditation effective for the 09-10 academic year with a site visit planned for Spring 2010 for admission to AALE for ten years. Meaning no matter what happens with the appeal process we are fully accredited and will not lose financial aid and other privileges that come with accreditation.
These announcements have created waves of tsunami size throughout the SAPC community. Rumors have been flying and although changes of this sort bring about uncertainty, rumors do not help what is already a stressful situation. Rumors that are unfounded help even less. President Baldasare is addressing the SGA and all students on Monday evening to give students a direct opportunity to ask questions and understand the real implications of the situation. If there was ever a time for the SAPC community to pull together and embrace a new era I would say that it is now!
The legal details and some thought provoking comments are available at http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2009/10/12/accreditation#
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Western Team Wins Double Header!
The western team pulled off two wins at the double header IHSA show this weekend. Saturday the show seemed to go on forever and Sunday the final result hinged on a ride off between Kelsey Moody from SAPC and Kody Zaagman from NCSU (Kody transferred to NCSU this semester after spending his freshmen year at SAPC.) The ride off was to break the tie for high point rider. Both competitors rode their best but at the end of the day Kelsey’s performance tipped the scale and SAPC was champion. Three riders qualified for western regionals at this weekend’s shows. Full results at http://www.sapc.edu/Equest/comp_ops/competitionresults.php
The dressage team had a fun trip to Virginia Intermont. We stopped at the Highland Games in Laurinburg on the way out of town to research some ideas for the National competition in April for which we want a Scottish theme. The competition at VI was very stiff. Greta Friesen placed 5th in the first level division, Rob Jacobs was 6th in upper training and Jessica Cusaac was 6th in the Introductory division. The team ended up 8th overall. Greta coached all day and did a fabulous job of setting everyone up for a consistent accurate test. Everyone rode to the best of their ability and I feel that we are close to being very competitive in a region that fields riders that regularly ride in USDF recognized shows at 2nd level and above.
Lindsay and Ashley had a good weekend at the NC State Fair Show. For freshmen Tricia James this was her first experience riding at an “A” rated show. Tricia and her horse Freedom Way (Nick) showed in the Pre Childrens/Adult Equitation and Hunter divisions and earned several 5th and 6th placings in stiff competition. Both Lindsay and Ashley reported that Tricia was very excited with her first outing at an “A” rated show. Katelyn Lang rode her horse Octavian in the Junior Jumpers and although she did not place had a great learning experience. Ashley had Ozzie, who is a recent donation to the program, at the show and had a good first outing. Ashley said it was great to catch up with many old friends at the horse show that she had not seen since returning to the east coast.
The dressage team had a fun trip to Virginia Intermont. We stopped at the Highland Games in Laurinburg on the way out of town to research some ideas for the National competition in April for which we want a Scottish theme. The competition at VI was very stiff. Greta Friesen placed 5th in the first level division, Rob Jacobs was 6th in upper training and Jessica Cusaac was 6th in the Introductory division. The team ended up 8th overall. Greta coached all day and did a fabulous job of setting everyone up for a consistent accurate test. Everyone rode to the best of their ability and I feel that we are close to being very competitive in a region that fields riders that regularly ride in USDF recognized shows at 2nd level and above.
Lindsay and Ashley had a good weekend at the NC State Fair Show. For freshmen Tricia James this was her first experience riding at an “A” rated show. Tricia and her horse Freedom Way (Nick) showed in the Pre Childrens/Adult Equitation and Hunter divisions and earned several 5th and 6th placings in stiff competition. Both Lindsay and Ashley reported that Tricia was very excited with her first outing at an “A” rated show. Katelyn Lang rode her horse Octavian in the Junior Jumpers and although she did not place had a great learning experience. Ashley had Ozzie, who is a recent donation to the program, at the show and had a good first outing. Ashley said it was great to catch up with many old friends at the horse show that she had not seen since returning to the east coast.
Pictures: Donna Fowble at VI & Kelsey and Carla with Popsicle and ribbons!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Oct 2 - 4
This weekend’s activities include the first in the SAPC Dressage Show Series at 3:00 p.m. today. Marsha Bryant from Southern Pines is coming to judge. Every rider will ride their test and then have 15 minutes with Marsha to work on some aspect of the test. Should be fun - show and clinic in one! Sat. we are practicing in the morning, taking a team trip to the Highland Games at the John Blue House and then heading out to Bristol for an IDA show at Virginia Intermont on Sunday.
Lindsay and Ashley are in Raleigh with several students showing for the weekend. Carla and the western team have their first western IHSA shows at SAPC and I don’t think Liz and Pebbles have anything scheduled this weekend other than helping out with the western show!
Lindsay and Ashley are in Raleigh with several students showing for the weekend. Carla and the western team have their first western IHSA shows at SAPC and I don’t think Liz and Pebbles have anything scheduled this weekend other than helping out with the western show!
Monday, September 28, 2009
IHSA etc.
My weekend started really early and amazingly the Fayetteville News and Observer arrived before I headed out to the barn. The cover of the weekend section had a great picture in silhouette of one or our hunt seat riders leading a horse into the lesson barn. Inside in “A day in the life of Laurinburg” was a great piece about the riding program including quotes from Ashley Duda. Later in the article the pipe band was also featured.
Hunt Seat IHSA Show – Wow! This is Peggy’s report to the SAPC community.
St. Andrews Riders Score Big Win in Season Opener
The St. Andrews Hunter Seat Team bested all 17 teams in Zone 4, Region 3 in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association season opener on Saturday, September 26. With a record crowd in attendance, the St. Andrews riders dominated the competition throughout the day. Led by junior Rob Jacobs, the riding Knights had secured the Champion Team title before the last six classes of the thirty one classes were contested. Rob Jacobs was Champion High Point Rider and freshman Katie Hansen was Reserve Champion High Point Rider. The final team results were:
St. Andrews Presbyterian College - 47 points
Virginia Tech - 37 points
Virginia Intermont College - 31 points
Duke University - 30 points
Elon University - 27 points
NC State University - 26 points
UNC- Chapel Hill - 25 points
UNC- Greensboro - 22 points
Appalachian State University - 17 points
East Carolina University - 16 points
UNC - Charlotte - 13 points
Wake Forest University - 12 points
Davidson College - 10 points
NC A& T State University - 6 points
Western Carolina University - 5
Averett University - audited
UNC - Wilmington - audited
Special thank you to Mike Morton who served as the announcer for the show!
The next Hunter Seat Team competition is October 18 at Virginia Tech.
The St. Andrews Western Team begins its season at home this Saturday, October 3. The Western Team is currently ranked 4th in the nation.
The Dressage Team is competing today at Averett University in Danville, VA.
Late News:
Greta Friesen won the First Level division!
St. Andrews Team placed 4th overall!
As you can see the dressage team had a good day at Averett. All my riders tried their best and there were some great rides that did not place but were tactfully ridden. The funniest part of the day was when the dog ran through the arena during Olivia Taylor’s intro test. Olivia said she hardly noticed it while the audience was laughing at the high speed canine. Olivia placed sixth in the Intro division and freshman Lindsay Agliotis placed fifth in lower training.
Next weekend SAPC hosts IHSA Western, the dressage team has the first in the SAPC Dressage Shows on Friday and then heads to Virginia Intermont Saturday afternoon for a show on Sunday.
Hunt Seat IHSA Show – Wow! This is Peggy’s report to the SAPC community.
St. Andrews Riders Score Big Win in Season Opener
The St. Andrews Hunter Seat Team bested all 17 teams in Zone 4, Region 3 in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association season opener on Saturday, September 26. With a record crowd in attendance, the St. Andrews riders dominated the competition throughout the day. Led by junior Rob Jacobs, the riding Knights had secured the Champion Team title before the last six classes of the thirty one classes were contested. Rob Jacobs was Champion High Point Rider and freshman Katie Hansen was Reserve Champion High Point Rider. The final team results were:
St. Andrews Presbyterian College - 47 points
Virginia Tech - 37 points
Virginia Intermont College - 31 points
Duke University - 30 points
Elon University - 27 points
NC State University - 26 points
UNC- Chapel Hill - 25 points
UNC- Greensboro - 22 points
Appalachian State University - 17 points
East Carolina University - 16 points
UNC - Charlotte - 13 points
Wake Forest University - 12 points
Davidson College - 10 points
NC A& T State University - 6 points
Western Carolina University - 5
Averett University - audited
UNC - Wilmington - audited
Special thank you to Mike Morton who served as the announcer for the show!
The next Hunter Seat Team competition is October 18 at Virginia Tech.
The St. Andrews Western Team begins its season at home this Saturday, October 3. The Western Team is currently ranked 4th in the nation.
The Dressage Team is competing today at Averett University in Danville, VA.
Late News:
Greta Friesen won the First Level division!
St. Andrews Team placed 4th overall!
As you can see the dressage team had a good day at Averett. All my riders tried their best and there were some great rides that did not place but were tactfully ridden. The funniest part of the day was when the dog ran through the arena during Olivia Taylor’s intro test. Olivia said she hardly noticed it while the audience was laughing at the high speed canine. Olivia placed sixth in the Intro division and freshman Lindsay Agliotis placed fifth in lower training.
Next weekend SAPC hosts IHSA Western, the dressage team has the first in the SAPC Dressage Shows on Friday and then heads to Virginia Intermont Saturday afternoon for a show on Sunday.
Friday, September 25, 2009
SAPC Hunter Seat IHSA
First intercollegiate show of the season tomorrow! IHSA hunter seat. Our IHSA region-_Zone 4, Region 3 – competes against , ASU, Averett , Duke, Davidson, ECU, NCA&T, Elon, Martin Community College, NCSU, UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC-Charlotte, UNC-Wilmington, UNC-Greensboro, VA Tech, Virginia Intermont, WCU and WFU. Laura Norment will be judging, Mike Morton has kindly offered to announce and the TH Club is doing the food booth with help from alum Mike Kryzsak and the IDA team. Horse show chair for Riding Council – Sarah Rafferty – has had an incredibly busy week getting all the horses looking their best and rounding up volunteers to hold horses, work the gate, serve as jump crew, and generally being available to cheer on the SAPC team. The weather is forecasted to cool down a little tomorrow (today’s high is forecasted at 86°) and thunder showers are possible. Should make for an interesting day!
Sunday Laura Norment will be here to do a hunter seat clinic and the IDA team heads to Averett for our first show of the season. Busy, busy, busy! Next weekend its western’s turn for some show fun!
Sunday Laura Norment will be here to do a hunter seat clinic and the IDA team heads to Averett for our first show of the season. Busy, busy, busy! Next weekend its western’s turn for some show fun!
Friday, September 18, 2009
So the teams were announced this week and we had a huge meeting on Monday night to get all the paperwork completed, discuss team expectations, and congratulate everyone who made a team. There were probably 20 people sitting on the floor in LA 102 with standing room only for the coaches! This week Riding Council is hosting a tack up clinic so that all team members know how to tack up for hunt seat, western and dressage. Its great getting to learn about the other disciplines!
Lindsay and Ashley are headed to Greensboro for the Sedgefield horse show today with a group of riders. Good luck this weekend! Our first IHSA show is a week Saturday for hunt seat. It will be a big show requiring everyone to help out. The IDA team is competing at Averett on Sunday the 27th. Laura Norment will do a hunt seat clinic on the 27th at SAPC, and Liz and Pebbles are headed to a workshop in Brevard that same weekend. Just a typical few days in the life of the SAPC Equestrian program!
Lindsay and Ashley are headed to Greensboro for the Sedgefield horse show today with a group of riders. Good luck this weekend! Our first IHSA show is a week Saturday for hunt seat. It will be a big show requiring everyone to help out. The IDA team is competing at Averett on Sunday the 27th. Laura Norment will do a hunt seat clinic on the 27th at SAPC, and Liz and Pebbles are headed to a workshop in Brevard that same weekend. Just a typical few days in the life of the SAPC Equestrian program!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Team Tryouts
Big weekend at the Equestrian Center with tryouts Friday & Saturday for IHSA, IDA and C Show teams. Nerve wracking for everyone trying out but a great opportunity to ride under pressure and really show what you can do. I think all coaches are treating it like a show class. For hunt seat we have a simulated flat class and over fences, dressage riders are all doing a test at the appropriate level and western riders will be showing off their stuff in the pen. The first shows are coming up at the end of the month with SAPC hosting IHSA Hunt Seat on Sept 26th and the IDA team travelling to Averett on Sept. 27th. The A show team will be headed to NC State Fair starting Sept 30th so it is safe to say the show season is in full swing!
Other news, several of us are attending the American Heroes celebration in Laurinburg this Saturday. Deb Bridges wrote an inspiring story about the benefits of therapeutic riding which won a story telling contest. Mark Mannette Assistant Professor of Theater at SAPC will be telling the story. Deb’s own experiences with TH, and some of the benefits she has seen in other riders are featured in the story. I also here that Max has a mention!
Other news, several of us are attending the American Heroes celebration in Laurinburg this Saturday. Deb Bridges wrote an inspiring story about the benefits of therapeutic riding which won a story telling contest. Mark Mannette Assistant Professor of Theater at SAPC will be telling the story. Deb’s own experiences with TH, and some of the benefits she has seen in other riders are featured in the story. I also here that Max has a mention!
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