Karen Cannon
Advancing to the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) National Competition are two members of the western equestrian team at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Sarah New, freshman from Filmore, Ind., and Karen Cannon, sophomore from Duncan, Okla., will compete on May 5-6, 2012, in Raleigh, North Carolina. The two earned their spots at the IHSA Western semi-finals in Ocala, Fla., March 24, 2012. Karen Cannon took first place in the novice category and Sarah New took second place in intermediate.
Karen Cannon shares her excitement: “I am so proud of my team for making it to semi-finals. Sara Schulz has been so helpful and we would not have made it this far without her. I was so close last year so it is very exciting to have made it this year!”
“As a freshman, I was so excited to qualify for semi-finals and then being selected as a team rider just made my entire year,” said New. “I’m so grateful for my fantastic team and wonderful coach because I know that without them I wouldn’t be headed to nationals.”
Sara Schultz, SMWC western coach, commented on going to nationals. “I believe Karen and Sarah have a great chance of doing extremely well. The judges provided positive comments relative to their stellar rail work and solid positions.”
The team finished 6th place overall at the semi-finals. A total of 16 riders made up each class. For the initial competition, the class was divided into two sections. The top eight riders were called to perform rail work in addition to executing a specific pattern.
“I am proud of the whole team,” added Schulz. “They worked hard and we held our own.”
Sarah New
Final results:
- Advanced: Karen Cannon – 2nd
- Intermediate: Paige Harvey – 7th
- Novice: Sarah New – 5th
- Open Flat: Jordyn Perrott – 3rd
- Reining: Whitney Mahloch – 3rd
- Walk/Trot: Shelby Harber – 7th
Individuals:
- Novice: Karen Cannon – 1st, Victoria Toy – 6th
- Intermediate: Sarah New – 2nd