Posted: Mar 24, 2013

Oilers Heading to Nationals after Earning Reserve Honors at the Semifinals

The University of Findlay western equestrian team finished up the IHSA semifinals on Sunday, March 24 in Pomona, Calif. The Oilers placed second at the event with 29 points as West Texas A&M took home high point honors with 33 points.

The two day competition enabled the Oilers to send seven out of their ten individual riders to the national championship, which is scheduled to take place on May 2-5 in Harrisburg, Pa. The Oilers second place finish at the semifinals will also allow them to take part in the team competition at nationals.

Overall Team Standings (Top 3 move onto Nationals)

West Texas A & M University – 33 Points
University of Findlay – 29 Points
Cal Poly Ponoma– 18 Points
Black Hawk College – 15 Points
Oregon State – 12 Points
Mount Holyoke – 9 Points

A list of national qualifers are below:

Team Competition

Beginner – Emily Schaefer
Intermediate – Ali Gokey
Novice – Erika Druker
Advanced – Makena Lawrence
Open – Ashley Winters
Reining – Bekah Irish

Individual Competition

Beginner – Tori Trbovich
Intermediate – Erika Druker & Zac Brown
Novice – Katie Davis
Advanced – Melissa McDonald & Jared Deatrick
Reining – Bekah Irish

Individual AQHA High Points Rider Competition

Ashley Winters

Sunday Results

Team Open Reining
1^st – Bekah Irish

Individual Beginner Horsemanship
1^st – Tori Trbovich

Team Novice Horsemanship
1^st – Erika Druker

Team Open Horsemanship
2^nd – Ashley Winters

Saturday Results

Individual Advanced Horsemanship

1^st – Melissa McDonald
2^nd – Jared Deatrick

Individual Intermediate Horsemanship
1^st – Erika Druker
2^nd – Zac Brown

Individual Open Reining
1^st – Bekah Irish
5^th – Callie Paul