LEXINGTON, KY. – From Thursday, May 3,-Sunday, May 7, the Adrian College equestrian team competed in the IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association) Nationals in Lexington, Kentucky. With over 200 schools participating this year, Adrian College placed 11th overall. During this year's nationals, seniors Lori Girrbach, Kaley Whelan, Cassidy Hampton, Sommer Cavazos, junior Gracie Jennings, and freshman Christopher "Gopher" Warwick competed for the team. Additionally, Stock team captain Girrbach and her teammate Warwick would compete individually.
2023 marked the first time in program history that Adrian College would qualify for nationals as a team. At nationals, the Bulldogs competed against programs such as Ohio State University, University Findlay, West Texas A&M, and Oregon State University. "I think this was a huge feat because Adrian College equestrian has never qualified for nationals", explained Hunt team captain Madison Austin. "We were very happy to be here. We were placed 11th in the nation and I think that is an excellent achievement", added Austin.
Adrian was named the Area 64 Regional High-Point Team, which the Bulldogs clinched their spot to compete at the National semi-finals. The event spanned throughout 10 competitions and each team had their cumulative points added in order for their final placings. The High-Point Team of The Year for each region across the country is sent to their respective semi-finals, where the top four teams that are ranked will compete in nationals. "This was the first time in program history that we have come this far and our stacked team allowed us to get here", explained Austin.
This season, Girrbach was awarded the prestigious High-point Rider of The Year honor. The prestigious award allowed her to compete against the top 20 riders in the nation. Girrbach was given the opportunity to ride in this class for earning High-Point Rider of the Year in Area 64, her second consecutive year in a row earning the award. Girrbach is the first Adrian equestrian to earn this title two years in a row. The award is a result of her cumulative points scored in the open horsemanship and reining. After receiving her award, Girrbach received an invitation to compete at IHSA Nationals in the Back On Track High-Point Rider competition, which combines the scores of one horsemanship class and one reining class. This weekend, Girrbach was a national finalist in NRHA Team Reining and placed third Individual Open Western Horsemanship. The senior would also place fourth in the Back on Track High-Point Rider.
The Bulldogs had a strong performance as a group this weekend, with many members of the equestrian team recording top 10 placings. This year, senior Cassidy Hampton was awarded as a Team Rookie Horsemanship national finalist and junior Gracie Jennings saw herself as an NRHA (National Reining Horse Association) Team Ranch Riding national finalist. The top 10 placings continued for the Bulldogs: In the individual Rookie Western Horsemanship, Warwick placed fourth and in the Team Level 1 Horsemanship, he placed sixth. Bulldogs Whelan and Cavasos would place as well, with Whelan placing seventh in the Team Level II Horsemanship and her teammate Cavasos placing ninth in the Team Beginner Horsemanship.
"When we got here, I think everybody rode the best that they could and presented great sportsmanship", concluded Austin.
The recently graduated senior Cavasos, who competed in the Beginner Class, embraced her first experience at this year's nationals. New to equestrian, Cavasos touched on how she has loved her experience with the Adrian College equestrian team. "Heading into Nationals we practiced a lot of pattern work. We ensured to get in extra practice and even saw additional trainers on the side", explained the Adrian alumna. "It's absolutely crazy for me since I have only been competing for a year. I just rode a horse for the first time a year ago. It's really crazy, super exciting, and I am so happy to be here", noted Cavasos.
After a great conclusion to 2023, the Bulldogs are poised to have an excellent 2024 with a talented group of under and upperclassmen. Placing 11th this weekend at nationals was a significant leap in the program's development and will be used as a stepping stone in the years to come.
