Two members of North Dakota State University’s equestrian team placed in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Nationals in Lexington, Ky., May 5-8.

Shannon Voges, a senior from Courtland, Minn., finished ninth in the advanced horsemanship competition. Kelly O’Connell, a senior, from Green Bay, Wis., finished 15th in the high-point rider competition.

“This was the first trip to nationals for both Kelly and Shannon,” says Tara Swanson, the team’s coach. “They had some tough competition but met the challenge with poise, confidence and talent in their performances.”

Voges finished third in advanced horsemanship in the IHSA’s semifinal show in Findlay, Ohio, March 25-27, which earned her a trip to the national competition.

O’Connell was named the Zone 7, Region 3, American Quarter Horse Association Cup Rider in post-season regional competition at the University of Minnesota-Crookston in early March, which qualified her to compete in Lexington.

“The national show is a great experience for all riders,” Swanson says. “It gives them an opportunity to compete against top riders from throughout the U.S.”

NDSU Agriculture Communication - June 27, 2011