Teamwork key to state championship

The Outlaws knew going into Oregon High School Equestrian Teams (OHSET )state competition that they had a clear shot at the gold in Team Penning.

“We knew we’re really good at this,” Sidney Sillers told The Nugget.

Sillers, Bailey Knirk and Savy Salisbury — all freshmen — lived up to their potential, winning the state competition handily among a field of 30 teams. Team Penning is an equestrian sport derived from ranch work, where cattle have to be separated out for transport or for doctoring. Three riders work against a clock to separate specifically identified cattle, guiding them into a pen. Over three go-rounds, the Outlaws team separated out eight cows in a total time of 141.71, nearly a minute faster than their nearest competitor.

The three riders rotated responsibilities in the three go-rounds — one entering the herd to cut out the correct cow, while the others cut away and blocked out the rest of the herd.

The work requires intense concentration.

“If you look away for a second, you’re going to lose it,” Sillers said.

Communication is paramount, and all three girls emphasized how well they work together.

“I feel like we just work really well as a team together,” Salisbury said. “We cooperate well.”

“Team Penning would probably have to be my favorite event in OHSET,” Knirk said. “I like that it’s a timed event and a speed event, too. I like working with my team a lot.”

Knirk emphasized that teamwork isn’t at a premium solely among the riders:

“It’s also your partnership with your horse,” she said. “Cow horses give you a lot; they work really hard for you. That’s important.”

Knirk rode her cow horse Winnie to the championship, while Sillers rode a bay roan quarter horse named Sophie. Salisbury rode a friend’s horse named Misty, because both of her horses are rescue animals that shouldn’t be placed under the stress of competition.

The team has been training since February, working at the Cascade Cattle Club and at a private ranch that provided cattle to work. Community support to provide training opportunities is critical.

“There’s not a lot of places you can practice Team Penning,” Knirk noted.

Salisbury is grateful for the opportunity to compete.

“I’m just really appreciative to be able to be in OHSET and to be in a town where it’s possible to do OHSET,” she said.

Salisbury and Sillers plan to rest their horses this summer while continuing to improve as riders. Knirk is going into rodeo completion in barrel racing, pole bending, breakaway roping and goat tying.

All three express a particular love for cow work.

“It’s just so thrilling,” said Sillers. “You never know what’s going to happen.”

One thing that happened is an outstanding performance under pressure — and a state championship.

Author Bio

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.

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