Sisters equestrian teams cantering through season

Sisters High School's equestrian team is cantering through the season, with the first district meet already out of the way. Sisters riders ended up in third place in the large team (over 14 members) division, trailing Redmond and Mt. View.

The team has 15 members, with eight returning upperclassmen and sophomores and six freshmen. The range of experience varies widely, which is one of the attractions of equestrian team. Experienced members help novices, and everyone is encouraged to try events outside of their expertise.

Co-advisor and coach, Beth Jacobsen, said the performance riders are very strong in the English riding disciplines of Hunt Seat Over Fences and Saddleseat Equitation. The first four placings in the Over Fences class went to Sisters riders, with Bobbi Jo Rosauer winning the saddleseat class and picking up a win in driving as well.

Sisters team members also made strong showings in dressage, and Awbrey Cyrus brought home second place in In Hand Trail.

Gamers and those doing the cow-work classes had varied results. Jenna Jacobsen finished in the top three in steer daubing and individual

flags, and was part of the second-place trio in team penning along with Katie Yozamp and Cassidy Kinneman. The remaining gamers finished well down the placings list.

Coach Jacobsen noted that many of the gamers are freshmen, who are working on their speed and expect to improve their times in upcoming meets.

The drill team, in a building year with three freshmen and one junior, finished third.

Jacobsen also said the teamwork displayed by the riders is impressive. "They all practice together and encourage each other. There aren't any cliques between seniors and freshmen."

Jacobsen shares advisor duties with Ann Gates, and coaches the gamers and cow-work participants. Gates coaches the drill team.

Dar Rosauer coaches team members in the performance classes and driving, in addition to working on ground-work exercises with all team members.

Karen O'Neal coaches the English disciplines and jumping.

Rachel Eady, a former Sisters High School equestrian team member, coaches reining, cow-work and assists Jacobsen with the gamers.

The final two district meet are April 2-4 and April 16-18, at the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center.