MADISON, Wisc. – Two individuals from the West Texas A&M equestrian team, Adalise Berg and Cana Fitzgerald, competed at the Hunt Seat Zone Championship in Madison Wisc. on Sunday. Berg finished fifth in Novice Equitation Over Fences while Fitzgerald placed third in Beginner Walk-Trot Equitation, wrapping up Hunt Seat competition for WT this season.
 
Individual classes included 10 riders total, two from each region in the zone. Only the top two individuals in each class advanced on to the IHSA National Championships.
 
The Lady Buffs compete in both Equitation on the Flat and Equitation over Fences during Hunt Seat shows. The shows offer eight different levels. Similar to Western competitions, riders are placed in their level based on their previous show experience before their collegiate career. Equitation on the Flat is judged on how well the riders communicate their mounts and on their position. Flat classes are judged at the walk, trot, and canter. The judge may test the riders by asking for specific maneuvers or for a short pattern.
 
Equitation over Fences is also judged on position; however, riders are asked to complete a designated course over fences. The correctness and flow of the course is also judged. Novice, Intermediate, and Open classes may show on the flat and over fences. Novice classes have a more basic course while the degree of difficulty increases for the Intermediate and Open courses.
 
Be sure to follow 'West Texas A&M Equestrian Team' on Facebook for updated information over the next month. The Lady Buffs will be back in action as the Western team, along with qualifying individuals, will compete in the IHSA National Championship on April 30 – May 3 in West Springfield, Mass.