The 2011/2012 Dexter High Equestrian team is ready for their first meet, Sunday, Sept. 11 at the Wayne County Fairgrounds. New coach Shannon Verbal and former Dexter Equestrian, " I am honored to have this position, I really think we have a wonderful bunch of kids and parents for the team this year. I also have been on the team in Dexter. 3 out of my 4 years we won State!" The team has been working hard in preparation for the season. Thanks to Gary and Trudy LaForest of Dexter, the team has an excellent place to practice their skills. Verbal along with coaches; Jenny Kulp, Dee Tomshany, Anna LaForest and Katie (Tomshany) Syrylo, all former Dexter Equestrians, have been getting the team and their horses in top condition. Vebal comments, "The team this year is a wonderful set of young ladies that bring to the table a strong base knowledge of horsemanship. I feel that the young women are strong in all of the disciplines especially the hunters. We need focus on Western and Saddleseat as well. Showmanship is also key and Katie is a showmanship guru. Jenny has a broad base of equitation knowledge as well. Dee Tomshany is going to assist the gaming kids so they know how to accurately make their maneuvers with safety, skill, and speed. Anna is the jumping extraordinaire and she really can turn out some nice hunter/jumpers. I feel the bases will be covered this year with a strong team effort and competitive edge. I strongly encourage the highest level of sportsmanship from all of my riders for there will be a very prestigious Sportsmanship trophy at the end of the year, which the recipient will be voted on by the coaches regarding their behavior and team spirit whether or not they win a class."
Photo by Eye of the Horse Photography.
