Kaley Silipo of the University of Colorado at Boulder takes "Finnie" over a jump during the open fences on October 9th. Silipo would win the division and claim high point rider honors that day (photo by University of Colorado at Boulder team President Anna Bohlin).

RAIN AND SLEET HALT REGION 5 OPENER BUT THE BUFFS PREVAIL IN THE FIRST (COMPLETED) SHOW A DAY LATER

(Zone 8, Region 5 alumni rep and University of Colorado at Boulder graduate Kristina Harkin forwarded Campus Equestrian a press release on the Zone 8, Region 5 hunter seat season opener, or perhaps their second show of the season. The original plan to host two shows in two days did not go off without a hitch, as the first show was stopped after two classes were finished due to inclement weather. The second show held a day later was completed, with the remainder of the first show rescheduled for October 21st. The Press Release is presented from the CU point of view, and if history is any indication the defending Region Champion Buffaloes will likely forward us more Press Releases as the season continues. Campus Equestrian welcomes Press Releases from other Region 5 schools if they too would like to submit them, not to mention schools in other regions who have prepared releases from their shows and happen to be reading this - Editor)

Ft. Lupton, Colo. – The saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather in Colorado, wait ten minutes and it will change,” but Saturday’s uncharacteristic weather reigned supreme for the first Zone 8, Region 5 IHSA show on October 8, 2011. Showing in the rain and sleet and bitter cold temperatures, only the Open Fences and Intermediate Fences were able to run before the show was halted. With over 140 single entries, the show stewards decided to postpone the rest of the show and call it a day.

Sunday (October 9) was a new day though, and the sun was shining as the eight competing schools pulled into Fall River Farm. Horses warmed up beautifully and the second show went off without a hitch. The University of Colorado (at Boulder, often identified simply as "CU") wanted to start the year strong, coming back to defend their regional title. “We have been practicing the same way we did before [IHSA] Nationals last year,” coach Jill Pelzel explained. And it was obvious as the Buffs took both the blue and red ribbons in Open Fences. CU was even more successful in Intermediate Fences, earning the top three ribbons in the division.

And CU’s great day continued, finishing as High Point Team just eight points shy of a perfect showing. Two schools were hot on their heels – an always-competitive University of Wyoming team under new coach (and Wyoming graduate) Jessica Ford, and a huge Air Force Academy team, coached Kari Bright. In the race for Reserve Champion honors Wyoming came out on top, but Air Force proved they are a team to be reckoned with this year. CU also took home more top honors, as sophomore Kaley Silipo (from Edwards, Colorado) took two blues for the High Point Rider award and senior Jenica Northrop (Erlangen, Germany) took Reserve High Point with a blue and a red ribbon.

The show took place at Jill Pelzel’s Fall River Farm, which is also the Buff’s practice facility. The English Buffs are back in action October 21-23 for the completion of the first show and two more hunt seat shows, again at Fall River Farm. The Western Buffs next compete at Laramie County Community College the first weekend in November.

--Kristina Harkin