Equestrians bring home the gold

The third and final meet for the Central District Oregon High School Equestrian Teams (OHSET) was held last weekend at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds. The Sisters team rode in fine form, collecting more than their fair share of medals and buckles.

Junior Cammi Benson claimed five gold medals, a feat never before accomplished in the Central District. She also won the Individual Performance High Point buckle for the season. She qualified for state competition in all five of her events: Hunt Seat English Equitation, Showmanship, Horsemanship, Reining, and Working Rancher.

Team Co-captain Ellie Chandler brought home another three gold medals, and qualified for state in Equitation Over Fences, Dressage, and Saddle Seat English Equitation. She also won the Individual Versatility High Point buckle, which is a combination of performance events and timed events.

Sisters Head Coach Yvette Chandler said, "Ellie and Cammi both had a stellar season, and brought home eight gold medals between them. Both of them train year 'round, not just during the high school season, and it really paid off in being consistent. Add to it that they won two High Point buckles is just the icing on the cake!"

Freshman Liberty Harig added to the Outlaws' medal count with a bronze medal in Saddle Seat English Equitation. This also qualifies her to compete at the State championships. Coach Chandler was thrilled, saying, "As a freshman, Libby qualified for state in her first year; not an easy task."

In the team events, the Canadian Flag team of Ellie Chandler, Chawndra Craig, Rylee Hurtley and Tessa Georges claimed the silver medal in Team Canadian Flags, qualifying them for state.

Coach Chandler was happy with the district results. "A couple of the girls who I thought would qualify for state did, but a number of us were pleasantly surprised by the results in Team Canadian Flags. A Silver medal means that both of our seniors will now be going to state, too."

Rylee Hurtley also qualified to compete in the state championships in Barrel Racing, placing fifth overall for the season.

The Sisters team placed second in the medium team category this year.

Coach Chandler said, "I'm really proud of the entire team. Everyone contributed to the team points. We were the smallest team in the medium division, and it's tough when we're competing against big schools like Redmond and Summit."

The third district meet includes an emotional special presentation of seniors, where all the seniors from the 19 teams in the Central District are recognized. While a short biography is read, each senior rides into the arena and is recognized for their accomplishments in OHSET. This year, the Sisters team had two seniors: Team Co-captain Chawndra Craig and Tessa Georges.

The state championships will be held at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond, May 14-17. The top athletes from eight districts and 135 schools around Oregon will gather to compete in the largest annual equestrian event in the state.