Outlaws equestrians are back in the saddle

Last updated 3/30/2021 at Noon

Competitors had to “haul in” daily — at staggered times — for a three-day event at fairgrounds in Redmond. photo provided

The Sisters Outlaws equestrian team had its first competitive outing of the season March 18-21 at the Redmond Fairgrounds, overcoming the many challenges of COVID-19 protocols in the process.

Head Coach Annie Winter explained that restrictions meant that overnight stalls were not available. The team had to “haul in” every day and stagger sessions over the three days, since only 100 people could be on site at any given time.

“But it’s all worth it in order to give these kids, and especially the seniors, a season since we lost being able to complete one last year,” said Winter.

Seniors on the team include Hailee Kennedy, Madi Larabee, and Shea Robertson.

Teams from La Pine, Mountain View, Bend, Summit, Ridgeview, Redmond, Lakeview, Hermiston, Dufur, Crook County, and Madras joined Sisters for the event.

Comprehensive team scores were not available, but Sisters notched some top marks among dozens of competitors.

Shea Robertson took top honors in both dressage and trail and also placed third in western horsemanship and fourth in hunt seat. Additionally Robertson teamed up with Ava Siler, Lucy Siler, and Sidney Sillers to take second place in the in-hand obstacle relay.

In the drill competition, the team of Madi Larabee, Brooklyn Lugo, Ava Siler and Lucy Siler took first place.

Sisters had four top placers in the keyhole event as Larabee, Josie Berg, Hailee Kennedy, and Chloe Winter took third, fourth, sixth and 11th among 27 competitors.

Larabee and Berg also placed third and fifth respectively in the figure eight among 34 finishers, and teamed up for second place in the birangle event among 23 pairs. Kennedy placed second among 31 competitors in the pole event, and also teamed up with Sidney Sillers to place third in the sorting event.

Winter came away from the contest feeling quite satisfied with her team’s efforts and grateful for the help provided by parents.

“Our team has been practicing since early December and I am so proud of what they achieved,” she said. “The parents are super supportive and stepped up to help make this meet happen safely during the pandemic.”

Winter is assisted by Lori Kennedy and Dave Jones.

The team returns to action on April 15 for another three days of competition at the fairgrounds.