On Sunday, February 17th, the Tiffin University Western Equestrian Team competed in Xenia, Ohio, hosted by Ohio Wesleyan University. Competing against five other teams, Ohio State University, Ohio Wesleyan University, Wilmington College, Hocking College, and Ohio University, the Dragons were able to finish third in the morning show and Reserve High Point Team in the afternoon show.
In the morning show, the team demonstrated many impressive rides, earning third place! Beginner riders Arissa Hendershot and Jacob Strandberg ran the ring with their rides, earning third place (Hendershot) and second place (Strandberg). The Intermediate II riders showed off their skills in multiple classes. Emily Boersen and Paige McCaslin placed fifth, Melody Lozano earned fourth place, and Bridget Webber had a wonderful ride. In the Novice division, many riders showcased their knowledge and experience. Miranda Bosler had a strong ride, Kaitlyn Borer placed fifth, McKenzie Sargent earned second, Morgan Lynch and Calysta Herniter took home third place, and Lindsay Weiser walked away with a first in her class. Katie Vogel, an Advanced rider, took fifth and Rachael Dowczek, also Advanced, brought home a fourth place - pointing up to Open and qualifying for regionals! Ashley Koszalka, Open rider, took home second place in both reining and horsemanship. She was also awarded Reserve High Point Rider!
The afternoon show was also filled with success through every division! Tiffin University walked away as Reserve High Point Team! Open riders Ashley Koszalka and Rachael Dowczek had very impressive rides, Koszalka finishing second in reining and fourth in horsemanship and Dowczek earned third in reining and fifth in horsemanship. Koszalka qualified for regionals and was awarded Reserve High Point Rider for the afternoon show! Katie Vogel, Advanced rider, earned third place. In the large Novice division, Calysta Herniter and Lindsay Weiser showed confidence in their rides, earning them second place ribbons. Weiser pointed up into the Advanced division and qualified for regionals. McKenzie Sargent and Morgan Lynch finished third in their classes. Miranda Bosler ended sixth in her class and Kaitlyn Borer had a very impressive ride in the afternoon. Intermediate II riders executed impressive rides - Emily Boersen finished second in her class, allowing her to point up into the Novice division and qualify for regionals. Melody Lozano earned a fourth place and Bridget Webber walked away with a sixth place ribbon. Paige McCaslin also demonstrated an excellent ride. In the Beginner division, Arissa Hendershot had a wonderful ride and Jacob Strandberg took home a second place ribbon!
The Tiffin University Western Equestrian Team will be back in action Sunday, February 24th, at Ohio State University for a double header once again!