Equestrian team has first meet of the season

Avery Popejoy and Ransom (photo courtesy Rick and Donna Clark).

by Donna Clark, Coach

It was a sunny day and the team had lots of reasons to smile. The Manchester High School Equestrian Team pulled trailers into the Lenawee County Fairgrounds in Adrian late into the night and early hours of the morning in preparation for our first meet of the season on Sunday, August 27.

Our team consists of six riders, one groom, nine horses, and a pony. Some of these horses specialize in a certain style of riding — western, hunt seat, saddle seat, or speed — while others are so “all around,” you’ll see them in multiple disciplines. It’s great, as a coach, to hear riders say, “I’ve never done that, but I’ll try.” What an enthusiastic team!

This passionate, tough, and competitive group begins competition at 8am sharp, although many of them have already been up for a few hours feeding their horses, walking their horses, riding their horses, and just getting the animals acclimated to new surroundings before the show. The day-long event rolls along, sometimes up to 12 hours. Riders can be found in either of two show rings, or even outside the show arenas, competing in trail, changing or adjusting tack, or warming up for the next class.

We are competing in Division “B” this year, along with Onsted, Saline, and Milan. The division is determined by the number of riders on the team. We are very proud to report that our Manchester team placed second after this first meet. The points from this meet will be added to the second and third meet, determining which schools move on to the Regional meet.

The first- and second-place teams in each division will get to compete at the Ingham County Fairgrounds in Mason at the end of September.

Although we have two formal practices during the week, most of our riders are on their horses daily, and many also take lessons besides. The Equestrian Team is a unique sport and we are so proud to have it continue in the Manchester Community Schools. Each athlete is not only responsible for their own physical condition, but also the condition of the horse. If you haven’t ridden a horse for a long time, or have never ridden, give it a try. You’ll be feeling muscles hurting that you forgot you had. The same is true for the horses! These horse-loving, hard-working, determined riders are ready to provide some exciting entertainment for you and your family.

Join us September 10 or September 17 to cheer on our Flying Dutchmen!

DID YOU KNOW? Many Equestrian Team riders lease horses to ride. Manchester has a Junior Team (Grades 6–8) that competes in the spring. The team does its best to help you find tack and clothing.

Sophie Houttekier and Navaya (photo courtesy Rick and Donna Clark).

Hannah Carlton and Mac (photo courtesy Rick and Donna Clark).

Grace Purdon and Ambrose (photo courtesy Rick and Donna Clark).

Rebecca Clark and Sierra (photo courtesy Rick and Donna Clark).

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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.