University of Akron graduate Michael Pancoe won the alumni reining division at Zone 6, Region 1 Regionals on March 16th (photo courtesy Michael Pancoe/University of Akron Western Equestrian Team).

UNIVERSITY OF AKRON WESTERN RIDERS BAT 1,000 AT REGIONALS

The University of Akron Western Equestrian Team (UAWET) is only in its second year, but that hasn't stopped the team from having riders advance to Semifinals, and possibly even Nationals! Recently the UAWET completed its regular season, finishing as the Region Reserve High Point Champion Team.

Ashley Fuchs, an open and reining rider for the team, earned the title of Reserve High Point Rider. Fuchs and fellow teammate Michael Pancoe, an alumni rider in horsemanship and reining, qualified to show in the reining at the Regional finals. There, both team members won their classes and will be advancing to Semi-finals in Cazenovia, NY on March 29 and 30. If they place in the top four in New York, they will advance to IHSA Nationals, which will be held at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in May.

--Story by Ashley Fuchs & edited by Michael Pancoe