Pioneers Equestrian Competes at Charleston

Macon, GA (Mar. 17, 2008) – The Wesleyan College Equestrian Team competed in its final Hunt Seat Show of the season at College of Charleston earning two second place ribbons.

Sophomore Naeemah Johnson, competing in her first horse show, earned a fourth place ribbon in Walk/Trot. First-year Pioneer Christy Mann earned a second place Intermediate Flat ribbon, while fellow first-year Annie Barnes earned a second place Novice Flat ribbon.

“This was Naeemah’s first time ever competing at a horse show,” said Head Coach Melody Kirkland. “I am extremely proud of her fourth place ribbon. She has come a long way this year and we are expecting her to be very competitive next year.”

Pioneers sophomore April Roos will travel to Western Zones March 29 at St. Andrews College, NC. Roos gained a trip to Zones after earning a second place Beginner Horsemanship ribbon at Georgia Southern two weeks prior.
###

Equestrian Team in a Zone
Sophomore April Roos Earns Trip to Zones

Macon, GA (Mar. 3, 2008) – The Wesleyan College Equestrian Team competed in a Hunt Seat and Western Show this weekend at Georgia Southern University. Three team members also competed in Western Regionals, with sophomore April Roos advancing to Zones.

Wesleyan finished fifth out of 10 schools at Saturday’s Hunt Seat Show. Freshman Chrisy Mann earned a first place Intermediate Flat ribbon in her first show after being moved up from the Novice division. At Sunday’s Western Show Mann earned a second place Novice Horsemanship ribbon.

“I can’t say enough good things about Christy (Mann),” said Wesleyan Head Coach Melody Kirkland. “Courtenay (assistant coach) and I made the decision to move her up to Intermediate from the Novice division she has been competing in. We were trying to spread the points out, so we would have a better chance at becoming a high point team. We usually know what kind of ride it’s going to be every time she enters the ring. She’s consistent, works hard and is always at the barn taking advantage of any extra riding she can do. She’ll ride every horse in the barn if we’ll let her.”

At Sunday’s Western Regionals, also held at Georgia Southern, Roos earned a second place Beginner Horsemanship ribbon earning a trip to Zones March 29 at St. Andrews College, NC.

“I’m extremely proud of April (Roos),” Kirkland said. She has worked hard for this and deserves the opportunity to compete at Zones. She has a great attitude, loves the horses and loves to ride. She’s become a much stronger rider this year and it has shown by her success.”

Sophomore Amanda Dotson and junior Jennifer Theisen also competed at the regional show. Dotson finished fourth Novice Horsemanship and Theisen finished fourth Beginner Horsemanship.

###

Pioneers Earn Reserve High Point at Weekend Horse Shows
Three Equestrian Members Earn Trip to Regionals

Macon, GA (Feb. 25, 2008) – The Wesleyan College Equestrian Team returned from a weekend of western horse shows at the University of Florida earning two reserve high point team ribbons.

The Pioneers opened the weekend earning third place as a team at Saturday’s show. The team competed in two western shows Sunday, finishing second overall, and earning Reserve High Point Team at both events.

Juniors Amanda Dotson and Jen Theisen and sophomore April Roos earned a trip to Regionals at Georgia Southern Feb 29-Mar. 1 after pointing out of their respective divisions.

“The team worked hard preparing for these shows,” said Head Coach Melody Kirkland. “We’re looking forward to Regionals this weekend. We are expecting to have another great show.”