This past Saturday, members of the OVS Upper Campus Equestrian Team went to their first event of the year, a schooling derby at the El Sueño show grounds in Somis, California.
Three students participated in the Level I Beginner Novice course, braving the jumps along with dozens of other horseback riders.
Junior Jaclyn Sersland and her horse, Time, led the way, being closest to the ideal time, and therefore scoring first place out of all participants. Freshman Bellamie Desmond followed on her horse, Riley, receiving fourth place.
Their team member, junior Lilli Trompke, unfortunately didn’t get placed, due to being thrown off her horse, Snickers, at one of the last jumps, and was therefore disqualified. However, she was able to get back on her horse and finish the course strong.
The whole team was happy with the results and the experience, and even though they all had very limited time to prepare before the show, most of them even managed to earn a ribbon.
“Both riders and horses were faced with their first competition of the year having very little preparation. Not only did they perform admirably, but I was especially proud of the decisions that were made to make the experience enjoyable for the horses and safe for the riders,” said Equestrian Director Stephanie Gustafson. “Lilli showed our ‘pick yourself up and dust yourself off’ spirit, providing a wonderful example of perseverance for the many younger competitors.”