mackenziefuss

Marian’s Equestrian Club, moderated by Ms. Kathy Janata, is trotting into its fourth year of horsing around. The club will be involved in activities such as volunteer opportunities and barn visits. Students do not have to own a horse to be a part of Equestrian Club, and all are welcome.

In the past, Equestrian Club has visited and donated to HETRA, Gret- na’s Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy. HETRA’s mission is to improve the quality of life of adults and children with disabilities. They have also watched demonstrations of different riding styles to learn as much as they can about riding while having a lot of fun along the way. Although Marian does not have a competitive riding team, these equestrians com- pete in events outside of school.

Junior Grace Mortenson is a competitive rider. Although not in Equestrian Club, she rides four to five times a week, each lasting two to three hours. Mortenson has competed in several riding competitions, and even travels out of state.

Mortenson often goes to St. Louis, Mo., Colorado, and Iowa, but she also gets opportunities to travel outside of the Midwestern area. So far the farthest away from home she’s gone was Gulfport, Miss.

Seniors Julia Smith and Haley Mick are also experienced equestrians. Both Smith and Mick ride and compete on a regular basis.

Smith and her Dutch Warmblood, Nimador, have more than 50 ribbons under their belt. The duo has also won several events in their catego- ries, including hunter classes, jumper classes, equitation, and several others. In hunter classes, movement of the horse is judged mostly on the ground; jumper classes include jumping; and equitation includes the position of the rider. Mick also rides on a competitive level, and she has had high expectations for her- self from the start.

“My goal in high school was to com- pete in the Grand Prix, and I have competed in three so far, so I have reached that goal!” Mick said.

Along with com- peting in the Grand Prix, Mick also qualified for National Medal Finals. Riders from across the country earn points to participate in this invite only event. Mick and her friend from Duchesne, Molly Laugh- lin, traveled to Pennsylvania to com- pete in the finals. They were the only people from Nebraska who qualified.

Marian’s equestrians are very unique, and it has proven to be a successful way to involve students with their passion, along with their community. The success of equestrians at Marian is developing, as is the Equestrian Club as they add new activities to their calendar.