Junior Equestrian team earns third place finish in May 20 meet

Junior Equestrians Amelia Harris and Sophie Houttekier

submitted by Manchester Equestrian Team

The Manchester Junior Equestrian Team had their meet May 20 at the Lenawee County Fairgrounds. The team went up against tough competition and earned a close third-place finish out of eight teams.

The girls worked hard for several weeks to get ready for their meet. Team members Amelia Harris and Sophie Houttekier competed and placed in several classes. It was their first time competing on the Junior Equestrian Team, but you definitely wouldn’t know it. Highlights were Sophie’s second-place finishes in English Equitation and Flag Race, and Amelia’s second-place finishes in Ranch Riding and Trail. The girls also won first place in the Two-Person Relay.

Coach Lydia Coval said, “I am beyond proud of these girls. They worked hard to prepare for this meet and it really paid off. Not only are they amazing riders, but they also have wonderful attitudes and work ethics. I can’t wait to see them excel when they advance to the high school team. Both of these girls are talented riders and are going to be a huge asset. I would like to thank Cathy and Brad Wallis for letting us use their farm to practice and Marie Cornell for helping coach. I would also like to thank the parents for all of their support.”

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.