Oregon High School Equestrian Teams – Kathy Russell
Oregon High School Equestrian Teams (OHSET) will be gearing up for the 2007 season beginning December 1st, 2006 and continuing through May 2007. This is a high school sport with teams consisting of members from 9th-12th grade. A member doesn’t have to own a horse to ride on the team but having riding experience does help. Team sizes are small 1-7 members, medium 8-15 members and large 16+ members. There are 18 schools in the Central District. Call District Chair, Candi Bothum 541-419-6350 for more information.
Each member is an important part of the team. Individual points are combined and totaled toward team points. The team camaraderie is wonderful and it is fun to see the other schools when we meet up for three-district meets in the spring. Parental involvement is essential to make the meets run smoothly.
The educational opportunities for these members are innumerable. Team members learn to work with their equine partner, their team members, coaches, advisors, other parents and other teams. It takes a great amount of dedication and perseverance to finish the season. For More information call Kathy Russell 541-419-8925 or visit www.OHSET.com.
AQHA Regional Experience – Karen Pickering, NWHS
Learning about the American Quarter Horse has become an experience for the whole family. Deschutes County Fairground in Redmond, Oregon. Hosted the 2nd Annual AQHA Regional Experience. This event was geared toward education about showing an American Quarter Horse or riding one for the first time. New comers to competition get a taste of showing with others at the same experience level. There was shopping, casino night, prizes, family fun and educational clinics.
I attended clinics by Jim Spence, on working a cow, Mark Jensen on showing pleasure horses and Nutrena Feeds on the importance of balancing your horse’s feeding program.
It was exciting to see so many turn out for their first ride on an American Quarter Horse. The ride was well attended, over 30 riders! Next year the event will be located in Caldwell, Idaho! I hope to see some of you there!
Intercollegiate Horse Show Association – WWU Equestrian Team
Had to sell your horse to go to college? You can continue riding if you choose a college that has an IHSA Equestrian Team such as Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington.
The WWU Equestrian Team is an extracurricular sport team that had it’s beginning under the direction of Splendora Huisenga four years ago. Individuals and companies from the local area donate horses used for practice and competition, keeping involvement affordable for most college students. This past year Janie Talbot placed 5th and Shane Elben placed 7th in the IHSA National competition at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in May, 2006.
The IHSA promotes competition for riders of all skill levels, who compete individually and as teams at regional, zone, and national levels. The association was founded on the principle that any college student should be able to participate in horse shows regardless of his or her financial status or riding level. Emphasis is on learning, sportsmanship, and fun. Competition plays a role but the students’ enthusiasm and team spirit are the major factors. The objective of IHSA competition is to offer the opportunity to riders in their first years of riding as well as to students with show experience. Eliminating the expense of shipping or even owning horses puts IHSA competitions within reach of many who would otherwise miss the equestrian experience. For more information visit www.ishainc.com or www.wwuet@ridgestar.com
