Frances Willsrud, a freshman with nine years of riding experience, is Ojai Valley Schools’ first Interscholastic Equestrian Association National Champion, winning first place in the Equitation and fifth in the Varsity Intermediate Dressage Test – Individual Class.
The International Equestrian Association is an organization in which a rider is assigned to ride on a random and unfamiliar horse that they have never ridden before. The rider then has to perform either a memorization test or an equitation class, where riders are to ride in the proper form and are judged on their position.
Frances rode in an individual test due to the fact that the team did not qualify.
“I started riding in first grade while at lower campus, and I’ve been doing it ever since,” said Frances.
George Halkett, a riding instructor at Ojai Valley School, has seen a progression in Frances’s performance during her riding at upper Campus.
“I have seen improvement in her position,” said Mr. Halkett, “but mainly in the ability to have constant contact with the horse’s mouth and develop feel.”
Frances has developed her skills in all aspects of riding, but Mr. Halkett isn’t the only person to recognize this.
Alex Hollon, a junior rider at Ojai Valley School, has seen Frances overcome various difficulties in the equestrian program over the course of this year.
“She’s been riding with one horse, Penny, who is an absolute pain to deal with,” said Alex. “I have ridden her before, but Frances has been handling her fantastically.”
Alex and the other members of the equestrian program have expressed their confidence in her ability to grow her skills during her first year at the Upper Campus.
“Becoming a National Champion is a great achievement, but so is the path to getting there,” said Mr. Halkett.
From the start to the finish of this year’s equestrian program, Frances’ confidence has boosted, and Ojai Valley School could not be more proud of her winning the national title.
Frances had never participated in this type of competition before, so everything was new. She excelled due to her determination and hard work.
“At first, the announcer couldn’t figure out how to pronounce my last name,” laughed Frances. “Regardless, it felt pretty good to be standing up there as they were calling out placings and ribbons.”
Ojai Valley School looks forward to seeing the continual growth of Frances’ skills during her remaining years at Upper Campus. She has already shown that she is a hard worker, and her determination continues to shine through.
“All of her hard work and progress has come to life,” said Alex. “Seeing her effort show off visibly is truly incredible.”