LARAMIE, Wyo. (3/3/11) - The University of Colorado equestrian team are regional champions after a dominating performance at the University of Wyoming's English Show over the weekend.
Entering the show, Colorado held the points lead in the region, but they needed a good showing in order to stay ahead of Wyoming. The Buffaloes got that good showing as they finished as the high point team on Saturday, gaining 32 points, and as the reserve high point team on Sunday, gaining 27 points.
CU finished on top of the regional standings with 279 points overall, 20 more than second place Wyoming with 259.
Senior Jennifer Burke led the Buffaloes on both days as she earned the high point rider on Saturday and Sunday, picking up the most individual points. Coming into the show, Burke was six points behind Wyoming's Katie Hurrell for the Cachione Cup, but is now back in the lead.
The Cachione Cup is an award for the rider who gains the most individual points from each region in the open division, which is very competitive. Riders who earn the title in each division will then compete against other Cachione winners for the Cachione Cup title at nationals.
With the Buffs already winning the region, they will send representatives to the English Zones; hosted by Cal Poly on Apr. 3-4 in Pomona, Calif. CU will be competing against other schools for a spot at the IHSA Nationals in Lexington, Ky. on May 5-8.
Before Colorado heads to zones, they'll host the Regional English Show at Fall River Farms in Fort Lupton, Colo. on Saturday Mar. 12. English riders that have qualified for regionals include Burke, Andrea Fieger, Karly Hobbs, Courtney Lennon, Anna Bohlin, Sarah Vicksman, Jenica Northrup, Kaley Silipo and Kelly Meyer.
The team is currently accepting sponsors for the regional show. For more information on sponsorships, contact Andrea Fieger at andrea.fieger@colorado.edu.
CU's Hana Fancher will represent the Buffs at the Western Regional show at Laramie County Community College on Sunday Mar. 13.
On Saturday Mar. 5, the equestrian team will host a pancake breakfast at the Applebee's in Boulder, located on 28th Street and Walnut. The breakfast will help fund the team's trip to the English Zones as well as nationals if the club gets that far. Tickets will be sold for $7 at the door with breakfast being served from 7-9:30 a.m.
