The two members of North Dakota State University’s equestrian team who advanced to the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association’s national competition in Raleigh, N.C., May 3-6 brought home honors.

Shannon Voges, a senior from Courtland, Minn., competed in the American Quarter Horse Association High Point Western Rider event, which showcases the top rider from each region throughout the U.S.

Twenty-four riders participated in this event. They were required to compete in two phases: horsemanship and reining. Scores from the two phases were combined for a final placing. Voges ranked fourth in the horsemanship phase and 13th in the reining phase. She finished the competition overall in eighth place.

Hannah Beyer, a junior from Rapid City, S.D., competed in advanced horsemanship and finished in ninth place. She was one of 12 riders in this event.

“Everyone’s goal at the beginning of the year is to qualify for the national show,” says Tara Swanson, the team’s coach. “Shannon and Hannah worked hard to get to that point and then had stellar performances once they made it to North Carolina. As a coach, I couldn’t be more proud of the team this year.”

NDSU Agriculture Communication - May 25, 2012