The Rockford equestrian team is hoping to move on to regionals.
by BECKY ERSTE-HOLMBERG
The Rockford equestrian team is working hard competing in districts, which has one more week to go at the Red Flannel Saddle Club in Cedar Springs. The top two teams in each division will move on to regionals. Rockford has gone to state competition the last three years, and hopes to make this year their fourth.
Catherine Roelse (left) on her horse River and Stephanie Huber (right) on her horse Gen pass a baton where they place first in the two-man relay event for Rockford’s equestrian team. Photo by JOHN ROELSE
There are four divisions which are determined by size: “A” being the largest and “D” being the smallest. Rockford has two teams this year, one in Division A and one in Division B. Coach Sabrina Nyenhuis is assisted by Nicole Hammer, Erin Weaver, Kristina Pothoven and Cathy Nitschke.
There are many events the athletes compete in, such as jumping, showmanship and speed, to name a few. There are both western and English riding.
The participating schools that competed last weekend in districts were Allendale, Belding, Catholic Central, Cedar Springs, Creative Technology Academy, Forest Hills, Grant, Jenison, Lowell, Rockford, Sparta and Tri-County.
Last year, the final standings from district competition found Lowell and Cedar Springs being the top two teams in Division A, with Rockford and Lowell being the top two teams in Division B.
Come cheer on your favorite team on Saturday, Sept. 26 at the Red Flannel Saddle Club in Cedar Springs. See who goes on to regionals at the Barry County fairgrounds in Hastings on October 3-4, and finally to the state competition in Midland for a four-day competition October 15-18.
GO RAMS !!!!!!