Nationals!

ANRC
Kira Gainey said it better than I could in an email to the equestrian program;

“ANRC Nationals was a great success this weekend!! I heard endless praise this weekend from all our visitors about the property, the barn, the jumps and you!!! The Equestrian Center looked amazing and the show ran as smoothly as we could have hoped (even with our very newly created scoring program-thanks to Marsha and Sam Black!)

I'd like to thank everyone who helped out and supported our program and our ANRC 2009 team in any way...those who helped with the Easter weekend paint party, pulling tags off of flowers, setting the course, handing out ribbons, brushing jumps, building islands, scribing for the judges, demo riding for the judges (and ALL the spectators...talk about stress :), handling the in gates, raking the rings, wiping off boots, juggling horses/stalls, cheering for the home team, just coping with all the excitement, etc, etc.

And I would like to especially thank the 2009 ANRC team...Kelsi, Rob, Alexis, Caroline, Audrey, Lindsay, Morgan, Alex - you all were amazing in ALL your efforts this weekend and the time leading up to it. Thank you for the hard work both on and off the horses. We are so proud of you and could not have done it without you!!!!

Thank you all for, as always, being a gracious and wonderful host college!!!”

IDA
I spent my weekend in Findlay, Ohio at an equally amazing event - IDA Nationals. St Andrews students Greta Friesen and Lauren Parker competed in the First level and Introductory divisions respectively. Greta placed 12th nationally while Lauren placed 10th nationally.

Donna Fowble accompanied us to Ohio and served as chef d’equipe. Lauren’s Dad made the drive with the girls and wrote a long “to do” list of things that will be needed next year when we host. I am very grateful to him for being the chauffeur and documenting the competition from an outsider’s perspective.

Findlay went above and beyond in their organization of the event. A Hawaiian theme for the weekend was reflected everywhere from the welcome Luau to the ring decorations. Betsey Steiner gave a very inspiring motivational speech Friday evening and was available all weekend to talk to students and riders. What a great opportunity for everyone!

Results Summary
Team Competition - Saturday
1. University of New Hampshire
2. Virginia Intermont College
3. Delaware Valley College

Individual Competition - Sunday
First Level Test 4 - Greg Schmid of Otterbein College 72.105%
Training level Test 4 Jessica Forend of Johnson & Wales University 70.800%.
(This division was so close that the judges were asked to break the tie between Jessica and Ashley Parsons from the University of Findlay. )
Training Level Test 2 - Laura Thompson of Averett University, 68.214%
Introductory Level Test B – Colleen Grant of Otterbein College, 67.500%

Complete results: http://www.findlay.edu/ida2009championship/

Next week IHSA Nationals!