On Oct. 19 the Mount Pisgah varsity equestrian team won the championship at the Westminster IEA Horse Show.

Over two days, riders showcased their skills in different classes. 

Each school brings its horses, however, they are assigned to riders at random.

Senior captain Aubrey Sabatino said, “When I first started IEA the idea of riding a different horse each time excited me. I love not knowing how the horse is before I ride it because it makes it a lot more challenging. It can be hard at times but every ride strengthens my ability to become a better rider.” 

The whole show is separated into two sections: the morning and the afternoon. Morning riders started with 2.6-foot and 2-foot jumping over the fence and then moved on to the flat classes.

Afternoon riders compete in x-rails and then ride in flat classes. 

To ensure the show runs smoothly, Coach Jody Johnson said, “I make sure the riders are ready for their classes and that someone is always taking care of the horses that are being used. Then we repeat the whole process for the afternoon riders and horses,” and she is happy to see “the girls supporting each other and taking the lead to make sure the horses were always taken care of.”  

With the effort of Coaches Johnson, Laura Smith, Anja Jacobs, and the 13 riders, the Mount Pisgah equestrian team scored the most in points and beat the other five teams in the Georgia region. 

Sabatino said, “the show was an amazing step forward to getting to regionals as a team. Everyone put in great rides, and I hope the high school can accomplish our goals.” 

This win marked a great start to the season. 

Mount Pisgah is hosting the next IEA show on Nov. 9 at Chicopee Woods.