On Oct 27-29, the Ithaca/ RC Equestrian Team competed in the WIHA (Wisconsin Interscholastic Horsemanship Association) State Competition. This was held at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI. Over 40 schools and 190 students participated in the State Competition.

The I thaca/ RC team consisted of 6 riders: Ithaca Senior- Josie Laue, Juniors-Maggie Kershner and Arianna Louis, Freshman- Annabeth Sprecher, 8th grader- Ellie Otto and RC 8th grader- Esme Rohn. The coaches are Jenny Laue and Kathleen Schoen.

The girls did their very best by placing in the ‘top 10’ in many classes. Some of these classes had up to 36 riders and were against 16 other teams in Division C.

The results are as followed: Josie Laue: 1st in Poles, 1st in Barrels, 3rd in Ranch Riding, 3rd in Speed & Action and 5th in 2-person relay (with Ellie Otto) Maggie Kershner: 5th in Trail and 6th in In Hand Trail Arianna Louis: 8th in Saddle Seat Showmanship Annabeth Sprecher: 2nd in Saddle Seat Equation, 5th in Hunt Seat Equitation, 7th in Bareback and 9th in English Dressage Ellie Otto: 5th in 2-person relay (with Josie Laue) Esme Rohn: 9th in LT Special In Division C- Ithaca placed 5th overall as a team out of 16 other schools.

Throughout the season the girls worked hard and overcame many obstacles. They showed grit, desire, and dedication to the team. They encouraged each other and worked hard training and preparing for the State competition. Coach Laue expressed “Showing horses is not for the faint heart. It can be so rewarding to see how far you and your horse have come. It can also be frustrating to see things not go as you were hoping in the show arena. These life lessons teach us perseverance, patience and that some goals take longer than others. I am very proud of the Ithaca/RC WIHA team!”