North Dakota State University Western equestrian team member Hannah Beyer is advancing to national competition May 3-5 in Raleigh, N.C.

Beyer, a junior from Rapid City, S.D., qualified for the finals by earning the title of reserve champion overall in advanced horsemanship in Intercollegiate Horse Show Association semifinal competition March 24-25 in Harrington, Del.

Also at the Harrington semifinals, NDSU rider Leslie Miller, a freshman from Fergus Falls, Minn., finished seventh overall in beginner horsemanship, and Ashley Lindell, a junior from Solway, Minn., placed eighth overall in open horsemanship.

“This was a great experience for the team members,” says coach Tara Swanson. “The riders had excellent performances against some exceptional competition.”

The top four finishers in each division at three semifinal competitions move on to national competition.

“Many of the NDSU riders who competed at semifinals this year will be returning to ride for the team next year, and this experience will help them prepare to qualify again in the future,” Swanson says.

NDSU rider Shannon Voges, a senior from Courtland, Minn., also has earned a trip to nationals by being named the Zone 7 Region 3 high point rider. She received this title by accumulating the most regional points throughout the show season in open horsemanship and reining events. She will compete in the American Quarter Horse Association high point rider classes at nationals.

NDSU Agriculture Communication - April 16, 2012