WILMINGTON, Ohio - Midway University's Equine Western team starts the Kaitlyn Howe era of Equestrian Western this weekend at the Wilmington shows.
As the team prepares for the upcoming competition, Howe expressed anticipation and excitement for the start of the season. She noted that "both new and returning members are constantly proving to me how badly they want it and how dedicated they are to the behind-the-scenes work." At the conclusion of last season, the team earned the Reserve High Point Team title in the region. This year, the goal is to bring the High Point Team title back to Midway.
Howe described the upcoming weekend as "a showcase of numerous veteran team members stepping back into the show pen, as well as quite a few freshmen debuting in the horsemanship." In Open Horsemanship, the lineup will feature previous national champion Alana Utlak, alongside teammates Kaylee Klein and Amelia Lee, who will provide veteran leadership for the team. Freshman Landen Tingle will also join the lineup. Utlak and Lee will compete in Open Reining in addition to Open Horsemanship. Both riders found success last season and will look to continue their strong performances while pursuing High Point Rider honors in the region.
The team will also feature several accomplished riders in the Level 2 divisions, including seniors Allison Kratzer, Audrey Mosby, and Lauren Arens-Ennis, all of whom finished in the top 10 at last year's national competition. Howe noted that "Kratzer has high hopes of earning her last few points this weekend to qualify her for Regionals in both the Level 2 Horsemanship and the Level 2 Ranch Riding." Tingle will also make his debut in Ranch Riding and serve as a point rider at his first show for the Eagles.
In the Level 1 division, senior Elizabeth Ulbricht will compete as an individual at this weekend's event. The Rookie division will feature Alyssa Edington, Courtney Donovan, Emily Sue Watts, Dorothy McMillen, Katie Fox, Ciera Estep, Malisha Crowder, and Aubrey Ludwig. Trayton Stargel, Emily Steinberg, and Kenna Lampart will also compete in the Rookie division, participating in Beginner Horsemanship.
Looking ahead to the competition, Howe expressed confidence in the team's preparation and potential, stating, "I have an excellent group of talented young riders who carry themselves with immense humility, but I know they are ready to start this season with a vengeance for the title. I am so proud of how they have prepared themselves up to this point and excited to see all their hard work put on display."
