Equestrian team finishes third and fourth in recent event
Alan Venneman
Issue date: 10/27/05 Section: Sports
Senior Sarah Tucker is only three points away from moving up a level in the Truman equestrian team.
This weekend, Tucker placed first and fourth in her two stock shows.
"I hope I can point up at our next competition," Tucker said.
Overall, the equestrian team won third and fourth place in a stock show competition hosted by Missouri State University on Saturday in Mount Vernon, Mo. Truman competes in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association. The IHSA has two styles of competitions: stock with a western saddle and hunt with an English saddle. Hunt shows include fence jumping for riders at higher levels.
Coach Meg Sorhus said the team placed against six larger teams despite being 14 points behind. She said the members only represented three of the six divisions and thus stayed behind.
Sorhus said the team has a few people going to regionals in March. If they point up, they might be able to go to nationals in April. Last year the equestrian team sent several riders to nationals. Sorhus said the wins were remarkable because the University only had riders in three of six divisions. The riders do well because of the encouraging atmosphere on the team.
"Everyone just gets along great," Sorhus said. "If anyone comes in with a bad attitude, it's gone real quick, or they're gone."
Sorhus said she anticipates the equestrian team will grow in number because of an excellent executive board and rising interest in horse riding. Prospective students have come to Truman based on how good Truman's equestrian team is.
Sorhus said Truman has not joined the NCAA because it would have to relinquish its value of riding for fun. Men would not be able to ride because of NCAA rules, and the riders would have to stay competitive or leave the team, she said. Also, Truman would have to hire more full-time coaches, enlarge the horse facilities and increase the herd size.
Sorhus said riders at the competition draw a name out of a hat for their horse. Judges score riders on their ability to ride an unfamiliar horse, she said.
This weekend, Tucker placed first and fourth in her two stock shows.
"I hope I can point up at our next competition," Tucker said.
Overall, the equestrian team won third and fourth place in a stock show competition hosted by Missouri State University on Saturday in Mount Vernon, Mo. Truman competes in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association. The IHSA has two styles of competitions: stock with a western saddle and hunt with an English saddle. Hunt shows include fence jumping for riders at higher levels.
Coach Meg Sorhus said the team placed against six larger teams despite being 14 points behind. She said the members only represented three of the six divisions and thus stayed behind.
Sorhus said the team has a few people going to regionals in March. If they point up, they might be able to go to nationals in April. Last year the equestrian team sent several riders to nationals. Sorhus said the wins were remarkable because the University only had riders in three of six divisions. The riders do well because of the encouraging atmosphere on the team.
"Everyone just gets along great," Sorhus said. "If anyone comes in with a bad attitude, it's gone real quick, or they're gone."
Sorhus said she anticipates the equestrian team will grow in number because of an excellent executive board and rising interest in horse riding. Prospective students have come to Truman based on how good Truman's equestrian team is.
Sorhus said Truman has not joined the NCAA because it would have to relinquish its value of riding for fun. Men would not be able to ride because of NCAA rules, and the riders would have to stay competitive or leave the team, she said. Also, Truman would have to hire more full-time coaches, enlarge the horse facilities and increase the herd size.
Sorhus said riders at the competition draw a name out of a hat for their horse. Judges score riders on their ability to ride an unfamiliar horse, she said.