University of Georgia Athletics
Three Equestrians to Compete At USEF West Finals
September 22, 2011 | Equestrian
Sept. 22, 2011
Senior Michelle Morris, junior Carly Anthony and freshman Kylee Arbuckle of the Georgia equestrian team will travel to Los Angeles, Calif., to compete at the 2011 Platinum Performance USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Regional Finals, West Coast, a national competition for non-professional riders 21 and under, this weekend.
"It's great that our coaches and the rest of UGA Athletics lets us compete in outside competitions and finals such as this one because it demonstrates the amount of talent UGA recruits," Morris, who is a native of nearby La Canada, Calif., said. "It shows that athletes in UGA are competitive in outside competitions and it makes them even better when they compete in season."
Added Arbuckle, "I'm so excited for USET Finals because it's so different from all the other medal finals and it's so much fun! It's definitely my favorite one!"
The competition tests the rider's skills in equitation on the flat, gymnastics and jumping. On the first day, riders will be judged on his or her position on the horse and their ability to control the horse's movement from gate to gate. During the gymnastics phase of the competitions, the rider is judged on his or her ability to maneuver their horse through a set of obstacles, while showing gradual improvement of horses form and technique. On the final day of the event, the riders are asked to guide the horse through a course under the time allowed, while keeping all of the fences up. During this event, the riders are judged on accuracy, skill, consistency and a bold and confident ride.
After each of the events have been completed, the top four riders will participate in a ride off, where the riders switch horses so that every rider has to ride each horse. The judges will then decide who rode each of the four horses the best and declare a winner.
"To win the UET Finals has been a goal and dream of mine ever since I started riding," Anthony remarked. "I am so grateful for my coaches and my team's support. I am excited to get another chance to achieve this dream!"
Riders qualify for this event by scoring at least 30 points in the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Class in any zone within the qualifying period from September 1 - August 31.