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First IEA Saddle Seat Competition



On February 5 & 6, 2011 the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) held its first saddle seat competitions at Morehead State University. Morehead graciously provided the management leadership, show facilities, many horses and volunteers to make the inaugural "Saddle Seat Kickoff Shows" a successful event. Morehead’s coach, Erin Lecompt, has hosted multiple hunt seat and western shows for both IEA and the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) in the past. Her additional experience as a coach in the Intercollegiate Saddle Seat Riding Association (ISSRA) was crucial to the success of this competition.

The show was co-hosted by the B.E.S.T. Team (KY) and HPR/Ashwood Team (OH), coached by Stephanie Grey and Holly Parks Robinson, respectively. Both of the co-hosting teams provided horses for the competition. In total, there were 21 horses in use over the weekend.

Two additional teams attended the competition - Walnut Way Farm (KY), coached by Marilyn Macfarlane and Bobbin Hollow Equestrian Team (FL), coached by Lark Rene’ Henry.

There were three upper school teams competing, and three middle school teams competing. Classes were split by rider ability level - beginner, novice and intermediate. Riders showed in group, rail classes and in individually-performed patterns in the "workout" classes.

Highlights from Show I:

-Intermediate Equitation: 1st place- Cory Vetter, Walnut Way (KY)

-Beginner Equitation: 1st place- Natalia Fernandez, Bobbin Hollow (FL)

-Intermediate Workout: 1st place- Cory Vetter, Walnut Way (KY)

-JV Novice Equitation: 1st place- Samantha Parks, HPR/Ashwood (OH)

-Future Novice Equitation: Mandy Bray, B.E.S.T. Team (KY)

-JV Novice Workout: 1st place- Katlyn Garnett, B.E.S.T. Team (KY)

-Future Novice Workout: 1st place- Alexandra Vaughn, HPR/Ashwood (OH)

Champion Upper School Team: HPR/Ashwood (OH)

Reserve Champion Upper School Team: Walnut Way (KY)

Champion Middle School Team: B.E.S.T. Team (KY)

Reserve Champion Middle School Team: Bobbin Hollow (FL)

Highlights from Show II:

-Intermediate Equitation: 1st place- Ariana Varveris, Bobbin Hollow (FL)

-Beginner Equitation: 1st place- Natalia Fernandez, Bobbin Hollow (FL)

-Intermediate Workout: 1st place- Ben Ferreby, Walnut Way (KY)

-JV Novice Equitation: 1st place- Samantha Parks, HPR/Ashwood (OH)

-Future Novice Equitation: 1st place- Mandy Bray, B.E.S.T. Team (KY)

-JV Novice Workout: 1st place- Haley Tolliver, Walnut Way (KY)

-Future Novice Workout: Mandy Bray, B.E.S.T. Team (KY)

Champion Upper School Team: Walnut Way (KY)

Reserve Champion Upper School Team: HPR/Ashwood (OH)

Champion Middle School Team: B.E.S.T. Team (KY)

Reserve Champion Middle School Team: Bobbin Hollow (FL)

Sportsmanship Award (combined Shows I & II): Natalia Fernandez, Bobbin Hollow (FL)

Additional show officials included Alohana Jackson- Judge Show I, Brooke Jacobs- Judge Show II and Roxane Lawrence- IEA Steward.

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