Equestrian team gallops onto sports calendar

The Oregon High School Equestrian Team (OHSET) is galloping onto the athletics calendar at Sisters High School. The first meet of the season is February 22-24 at the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center in Redmond. The team of 12 riders and their equine partners are ready to take on the challenge of long days at the OHSET meets and have endured chilly practice sessions through the darkest days of winter to stay on form.

OHSET is a club sport and this year is enjoying the support of SHS Athletic Director Tim Roth. "Our goal is to try to celebrate all our kids as much as we can," said Roth. Club sports are now included in pre- and post-season preparations, banquets, and in group fundraising efforts. OHSET will benefit from the bingo night that took place February 4.

Sisters is in the OHSET Central District, which includes all Central Oregon high schools and extends to Pendleton in the east, Lakeview in the south and Hood River to the north.

The meets take three days to complete. A dizzying array of events makes for lots of variety for both athletes and spectators. Teams enter events that test form, function and speed; and many athletes take the opportunity to try something with their horses that is not part of their everyday riding scene. Dressage riders can be seen in the gaming arena and a barrel-racer might work her horse on the halter in showmanship. The goal of OHSET is for equestrian athletes to be challenged, build character, and do the sport they love.

In an email, co-advisor Ann Gates said, "We graduated two very valuable seniors last year but the team this year has some great options. There is no doubt in my mind that you will see many champions from this year's team."

About half of last year's athletes are returning, with one transfer from the successful Crook County team. Historically, Sisters excels in the English and jumping events but Gates feel the strengths might spread across the team this year. Two SHS alums, Jenna Jacobson and Taryn Jones, who both competed in OHSET, are assisting Gates, co-advisor Beth Jacobson, and Dar Rosauer with coaching duties.

The meet begins at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, February 22 with English events, in-hand obstacle relay, pairs and drill team. Saturday's spectators will see Western performance events, driving and cattle events. Sunday tests the gamers with bi-rangle, Canadian team flags, pole bending and barrels, keyhole, figure 8 and individual flags. All meets are free and vendors are on site.