By Liz Shepard
Special to the Leader
The Oxford High School Equestrian Team earned its 15th straight district championship Sunday, paving the Wildcats? way to compete in the regional championship Oct. 3-4.
The team of nine riders competed Sept. 12, 13 and 20 at the Oakland County Fairgrounds against teams from Lapeer, Romeo, Bloomfield, Brandon and Stoney Creek high schools.
The Wildcats secured the Michigan Interscholastic Horsemanship District II championship handily, earning 650 points, with second place Lapeer earning 385.
Oxford competes in the B division, which includes teams with five to 10 riders.
‘After 15 years of coaching, I still enjoy watching the riders develop their horsemanship into championship performances,? said Head Coach Dee Shepard. ‘These nine young ladies have worked hard all year to come together, working with our coaches in groups and individually, to hone their riding, showmanship and contesting skills. We are looking forward to continuing our work the next two weeks preparing for the regionals competition.?
Sophomore Jessica Garrett was the high point earner for the Wildcats during the team’s first meet with 45 points.
Fellow sophomore Sarah Liford earned the most points during the second competition, at 42 points. And freshman Hannah Buday was the high point rider Sunday with 49 points.
‘For the team being so young this year, they really surpassed my expectations at districts,? said assistant coach Kellie Roth. ‘I was impressed by how well they handled their nerves and worked together.?
Riders will compete in everything from barrel racing to jumping against the top two teams from three other districts during the regional championship at the Ingham County Fairgrounds.
The regional champions and reserve champions will qualify to compete in the MIHA State Championship Oct. 15-18 at the Midland County Fairgrounds.
‘The team shared mistakes individually, and as a whole during the first meet, but learned from them quickly. Many riders are young and inexperienced (with) the MIHA showing, but adapted well,? said assistant coach Jennifer Fifield. ‘We took each class as a step into the right direction and built focus towards our goal to win districts.?