Bulldog equestrian team finishes 6th in MIHA District IV (with slideshow)

(Chelsea Update would like to thank Jeff Frank for the story and two photo galleries with this story.)

The day began cool and foggy, but things rapidly heated up for the Chelsea High School equestrian team as the competition for the two regional placings in Division C got underway last month.

Chelsea scored 49 points and was led by junior Rheana Grudzinski who placed 1st in Flags, 2nd in Speed and Action and Cloverleaf, 3rd in Saddle Seat Bareback, 5th in Saddle Seat Equitation, 7th in Saddle Seat Pattern and 8th in Saddle Seat Showmanship. Grudzinski, along with freshman Talena Roberson, placed 2nd in the two-person relay to round out the scoring.

Freshman Erin Frank also contributed to the team’s point total for the day by finishing 3rd in Saddle Seat Showmanship and 8th in Western Showmanship.

On Sunday, the team earned another 35 points, with Grudzinski continuing to lead the charge by placing 1st in Flags and Cloverleaf. Frank again placed 8th in Western Showmanship and Roberson 2nd in Flags while Grudzinski and Roberson placed 4th in the two-person relay.

While the team didn’t move on to the regional meet, it was still a very successful season. With three riders returning next year, the team has a solid foundation on which to build.

Senior Kaylin Dever was also a solid contributor to the team, in and out of the show arena. She and her cheerful attitude will be missed as she heads off to college next year.

Coach Trenda Eversole had this to say about the team and its season: “The kids worked hard and overcame all the challenges of this year! I am so proud of each one of our kids.”

The team thanks everyone who supported them this season including the expertise and experience of Tonya Fischer and especially the support of the local businesses who sponsored the team: Hopp Electric, Value Copy, Frame Hardwoods, Chelsea Lumber, Rick Eder Agency, Staffan Mitchell Funeral Home, All About Nails, Hardwood Soulutions, Gilbert Farms, Everlasting Impressions, MSK and Associates, Set in Stone, Reed Barbering, Common Grill and Bumbles Dry Goods.