Equestrians have good showing

While many families were hunting for eggs over Easter weekend, Sisters High School equestrian athletes were competing at the second Oregon High School Equestrian Team (OHSET) meet for the Central District.

All the 2013 Central District meets are held at the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center, and the horse barns hummed over the weekend. Athletes, families and horses worked in both the indoor and outdoor arenas, kept busy with a multitude of classes to compete in.

Co-advisors and coaches Beth Jacobsen and Ann Gates were pleased with the results and the attitudes of the athletes. Sisters came second behind Redmond in the large teams (13 or more members), with Mountain View in third and Bend in fourth places.

"I am very thrilled with the kids and how they did at the meet," said Gates. "Not because they were winning but because of the attitude of always trying to improve on themselves."

Jacobsen added kudos to the parents for their support. "This particular sport demands a lot from our families; we have parents that have really stepped up and helped Ann and I so that we can focus on the athletes," she said.

There were significant improvements in placings, especially in the gaming and team events. Sisters continued to dominate the individual English events, with Sisters riders taking first place in Hunt Seat Over Fences, Dressage and Saddle Seat Equitation, and second in Hunt Seat Equitation. Sisters athletes also took top or second placings in Working Rancher, Western Horsemanship, Steer Daubing and Driving classes.

"It was a very smooth meet for our team (and) it was great to see improvements from all their hard work," said Jacobsen.

The final Central District meet is April 19-21 at the Hooker Creek Arena at the Fair and Expo Center in Redmond. Each day starts at 8:30 a.m. Friday's events are the English riding classes, In Hand Obstacle Relay, Working Pairs and Drill. Saturday's events are Stock Seat Equitation, Working Rancher, Showmanship, Trail, In Hand Trail, Driving, Reining, and cattle events. Sunday is all gaming events. The event is free, and food and vendors are

on site.