Smokiam team rides high at district meet
Courtesy photoThe Smokiam Alternative School equestrian team placed first among mid-sized schools at last weekend's district competition in Moses Lake. Pictured in the front row, left to right: Catrina Langley, Ashley Jsns, Meghan Olsen, Rachelle Pope, Jade Thompson, Rachael Goetz. Top row: Linda Sieverkropp, Ruby Langley, John Busherd, Erin Walker, Helen Floren.
MOSES LAKE - The Smokiam Alternative School equestrian team finished first among mid-sized schools and second overall at last weekend's Washington High School Equestrian Team District 1 meet at the Grant County Fairgrounds.
Smokiam, which runs a co-op program for high school-aged riders in Ephrata, Moses Lake, Royal City, Othello and Richland, was one of several teams at the meet, which featured more than 90 riders in various equine events.
The Smokiam team broke two records at the meet. John Busherd of Moses Lake set a new mark in the individual flags, while Soap Lake resident Catrina Langley broke her own record in barrel racing with a time of 14.65 seconds.
Other events include steer daubing, team sorting, break away roping, driving, reigning, dressage, English riding and Western riding.
The team will compete in two more meets this season, in Spokane and Wenatchee. The state finals take place in May, where eastern Washington riders meet up with western Washington's best.
Smokiam's team is coached by Mary Lou Langley and Claretta Walker.
- Staff report