For the first time, North Dakota State University’s hunt seat equestrian team has earned the title of high point team.

The team received the title Nov. 19, the first day of a two-day horse show the University of Minnesota-Crookston hosted.

The NDSU team tied with University of Minnesota-Crookston riders as the high point team the second day of the event. This was the NDSU team’s first competition of the season.

Two NDSU team members also earned individual honors. Sarah Bridge, a sophomore from Plymouth, Minn., was named high point reserve rider Nov. 19 and Mattia Lein, a senior from Glyndon, Minn., was named high point rider Nov. 20.

Other team members were Siara Melius, sophomore, Mound, Minn.; Erica Pfarr, senior, Rochester, Minn.; Kaylin Scarberry, sophomore, Fargo; Kelsey Voigt, senior, St. Louis Park, Minn.; Alyssa Langaas, sophomore, Greenbush, Minn.; Emily Norwig, freshman, Hampton, Minn.; Deann Berntson, freshman, Kulm; Allison Mustonen, sophomore, Buffalo, Minn.; Carly Scanson, freshman, Fargo; and Emily Dickson, freshman, Australia.

Sixty-nine riders from nine colleges and universities in North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin competed in the show.

“I am extremely proud of the team’s accomplishments,” says coach Erika Berg. “Their hard work paid off, and I look forward to more wins by this young team in the coming season.”

The team’s next competition is Feb. 4-5, 2012, at the University of Minnesota.

NDSU Agriculture Communication - Dec. 9, 2011