The Colby Community College Equestrian Team competed in the first competition of the spring semester hosted by the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) in Curtis, Neb. on Feb. 1-2. 

“Our team rode great,” said Head Coach Shanda Mattix.  “Their hard work and positive attitudes are paying off.  We were awarded High Point Team at both shows.”

The recognition is based on the points accumulated by individual riders on each team.  In addition to CCC, other schools competing were NCTA, University of Colorado—Boulder, Laramie County Community College, Oklahoma Panhandle State University, United States Air Force Academy, University of Nebraska—Lincoln and the University of Wyoming.

Jade Kruse was awarded High Point Rider at Sunday’s horse show.  Points earned at this show also qualified Lori Beth James for the regional horse show.

Equestrian teams earns high point.            Individual results are:

            Open Reining, Show 1

                        Jade Kruse (Oakley), 3rd

            Open Horsemanship, Show 1

                        Jade Kruse (Oakley), 7th

            Advanced Horsemanship, Show 1

                        Cateline Isely (St. Francis), 2nd

            Novice Horsemanship, Show 1

                        Megan Kantor (Louisville, N.C.), 2nd

            Intermediate 2 Horsemanship, Show 1

                        Heather Toal (Hillsboro), 2nd

                        Allison Siemens (Moundridge), 4th

                        Sara Schurz (Phillipsburg), 6th

            Intermediate 1 Horsemanship, Show 1

                        Gabrielle Smith (Lindsborg), 1st

                        Ariel Severson (Gem), 3rd

                        Marci Scripter (Chapman), 5th

            Beginner Horsemanship, Show 1

                        Lori Beth James (Marquette), 1st

                        Ashlee Dinges (Ness City), 6th

Open Reining, Show 2

                        Jade Kruse (Oakley) 1st

            Open Horsemanship, Show 2

                        Jade Kruse (Oakley), 1st

            Advanced Horsemanship, Show 2

                        Cateline Isely (St. Francis), 4th

            Novice Horsemanship, Show 2

                        Megan Kantor (Louisville, N.C.), 3rd

            Intermediate 2 Horsemanship, Show 2

                        Heather Toal (Hillsboro), 3rd

                        Allison Siemens (Moundridge), 5th

                        Sara Schurz (Phillipsburg), 6th

            Intermediate 1 Horsemanship, Show 2

                        Marci Scripter (Chapman), 2nd

                        Ariel Severson (Gem), 3rd

                        Lori Beth James (Marquette), 5th

            Beginner Horsemanship, Show 2

                        Ashlee Dinges (Ness City), 3rd

“We are extremely proud of the hard work and dedication of this team,” said Mattix.  “The weather has been a huge challenge for us this semester and constantly affects our practices.  However, this group of ladies bundles up and they put in the time to prepare for competition—and we are seeing the results.”

The CCC team will compete Feb. 14-16 at the University of Nebraska—Lincoln.  Colby will host a hunt seat show in Colby on Feb. 28-March 2.