By Mark Blentlinger
The Equestrian competition season for the Eagles is not very long, with just three shows between the end of August and mid-September. However, the team practices year-round at the barn owned by Head Coach Christine Rosey. The athletes do not need to own their own horse in order to be part of the team. The Eagles were placed in Division B this season. After the regular season, the top two teams from each division get to participate in regional contests.
The latest competition was held at the St. Joseph County Fairgrounds. Day one saw Katelyn Delaney place fourth in Showmanship saddle-seat, on Lmi. Saddle-seat Equitation first place went to Annabelle Ledlow on M&M. The two-person relay had Eagles Annabelle Ledlow and Mariah Flynn finishing first on Kala and Dutchess. The team finished the first day in fourth place.
Day two of competition had the Eagles doing even better. Showmanship saddle-seat was won by Katelyn Delaney on Lmi. In Saddle-seat Equitation, first place went to Mikaylen Svboda on Mahera, second place was taken by fellow Eagle, Makaylen Flynn, on Dutchess. Equitation over-fences, 2nd place to Annabelle Ledlow on M&M. Ledlow also finished first in cloverleaf barrels and timed pole bending. The team finished day two in 3rd place.
Coach Rosey said she is very happy with how this season is going. In the 2017 season, the team totaled 34 points after the three shows. In 2018, the Eagles earned a total of 88 points. So far this season, and after only two shows, the team had earned 169 points.
After the final show of the 2019 season the Eagles finished in 4th place in class B Districts with a total score of 196 points, doubling last season’s score.