GALVA, Ill. -- Only 3% of the over 4,000 IHSA equestrian athletes qualify to compete at the postseason National Semifinals competition. The Adrian College equestrian team were privileged to have two members compete and make the finals with one coming home with a first-place honor. Adrian also had one of the team horses was used in the competitions all weekend and even had nominations for "Horse of the Competition".
 
Battling rainy and snowy conditions, the Adrian riders and horses were not thrown off at all.
 
The National Semifinals were highlighted by: 

• Beginner Level division rider, Emma Leonard, made it into the Finals for her division, rode a little spitfire of a horse, but a strong pattern, and placed seventh overall!
• Level II division rider, Christopher Warwick, made it into the Finals of his division, laid down a clean, solid pattern, and won the division title! He received a beautiful belt buckle and earned a trip to IHSA Nationals in May.
• Bulldog team horse, Willy, was a solid citizen in the competitive pen. He was chosen by the Horse Committee, out of 40+ horses transported to Galva, to be a draw for the Level II and Open divisions, and he didn't disappoint! He went into the pen eight times, helped all of his riders earn spots in their division Finals, and from there helped riders earn a 6th, two 5ths, and a 2nd place finish overall!