The Oxford High School Equestrian Team earned third place at the Michigan Interscholastic Horsemanship Association State Championship.
The Wildcats competed at the Midland County Fairgrounds Thursday through Sunday, earning 248 points. They were beat by state champions Grand Haven (366 points) and reserve champion Howell (345 points) in the B division.
Equestrian teams compete based on size, with B division teams having between six and 10 riders.
‘I think the riders did an excellent job for their lack of experience at the state level,? said Oxford’s head coach, Dee Shepard. ‘We were hoping for consistency and preparedness, and I think the girls excelled with help from our coaches.?
Shepard said the competition was tough and the days long, as the riders competed in everything from fitting and showing to barrel racing and jumping. ‘We’re already planning for 2016,? she said.
The Wildcats beat out teams from Traverse City St. Francis, Midland, Gull Lake, Whitmore Lake, Monroe, Zeeland West and Alma.
Oxford’s high-point riders were freshman Hannah Buday with 90 points, and sophomore Jessica Garrett, who earned 47 points.