Berry Looks To Regain Lead In Region Standings

by Emma Childs  

As the Berry College equestrian team begins its spring season this weekend with a two-day Hunter Seat show at the University of Georgia, every rider knows her most important job is to help her team battle back into first place in the region.

Following a disappointing middle-of-the-pack finish at the Lander University show at the end of October, the Vikings fell into second place in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Region 5, Zone 2 after dominating the first part of the season.

"Our goal is to work hard to get back into first place this week," Berry head coach Margaret Knight said. "Unfortunately, we ended the fall semester with a show that was not our best, but we are only a few points out of first place in the region, so we want to regain that."

The riders' winters have been filled with intensive lessons and workouts to add strength and conditioning to their routine.

"The biggest thing we have been working on is to get stronger and tighter in positions, doing a lot of without-stirrups work," Knight said. "Everyone is looking good."

Heading into the weekend, Knight is confident and aware of what her team can accomplish. Last fall alone, the ladies netted four overall show wins plus an array of individual ribbons.

"We are also preparing our show presence," Knight said. "We want everyone to be prepared to be confident riding on an unfamiliar horse.

"And we are getting enthusiastic about riding well. Everyone seems fired up. "

Following this weekend's show in Athens, Ga., the team will return home to host its spring Hunter Seat and Western show at the Eugene Gunby Equine Center February 26-27.

- BerryVikings.com -