University of Colorado at Boulder freshman Stephanie Kupper waits to test on "Justice." Kupper earned the Reserve High Point Rider Award at the first of two West Texas A & M Hunter Seat Shows over the February 23rd/24th weekend (Photo courtesy Kristina Harkin/University of Colorado Equestrian Team).

2008 BEGINS WITH STRONG SHOWINGS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO

(University of Colorado at Boulder senior and open rider Kristina Harkin has written her account of the February 23rd and 24th West Texas A & M hunter seat shows. Previously Harkin also wrote a story from the Buffaloes' point of view regarding the season's first two shows hosted by the University of Denver. On both occasions the Buffaloes had arguably their best weekends of the season. We hope to have the full, updated team standings sometime soon, as Colorado may have gained ground in their efforts to catch Wyoming and Colorado College for second place overall - Editor.)

Canyon, TX – University of Colorado Coach Jill Pelzel couldn’t have dreamed of a better weekend for her Buffaloes' second visit to West Texas A & M’s Equine Facility this season. Thirteen Buffs made the long trip down to Texas to try their luck against nine other Zone 7, Region 1 schools. Each point rider contributed to the day, and on both Saturday and Sunday the Buffaloes earned Reserve High Point Team honors.

Also earning top honors were a pair of freshman, Stephanie Kupper and Lindsey Pope. With outstanding rides in Intermediate over fences and Intermediate flat, Kupper stood in a three-way tie for High Point Rider at the first show. She was tested in a work-off and concluded the day with the Reserve High Point Rider award. With a second over fences and a big win on the flat the next day, novice (point) rider Pope walked away with the High Point Rider award.

The Buffaloes celebrate the first of two Reserve High Point Team Awards at the West Texas A & M Horse Center in Canyon, Texas on February 23rd (Photo courtesy Kristina Harkin/University of Colorado Equestrian Team.

First-year Coach Pelzel couldn’t have been happier. “There was a lot of improvement here, but I can’t wait to get home and do some flatwork. I see no stirrups flat lessons in the very near future.” Contributing to the Reserve High Point team award were coach-selected point riders senior Kristina Harkin (open flat and fences), freshman Michaela Maxwell (intermediate flat), and junior Stephanie Ramsey (advanced). On Sunday the Buffaloes were only one point behind region leader and host West Texas A & M. Sophomore Elyse Myers, senior Rachel McGehee, and freshman Emma Alterman all received placings at their first show with the hunt seat team.

The Buffaloes Hunt Seat team is back in action March 15 when they host the final Region 1 regular season show of 2007-08. On Sunday March 16 Colorado will also host Zone 7, Region 1 Hunt Seat Regionals. Both shows will be at Triple Creek Ranch in Longmont, Colorado. The team is currently looking for division sponsors and horses to borrow. For more information on the Buffaloe's team, please visit their website at www.colorado.edu/studentgroups/equestrian or contact them at cuet@colorado.edu.

--Kristina Harkin