Washington’s Association of High School Equestrian Teams (WAHSET) doesn’t follow all the traditions of professional equestrian performances.
Where other competitions may judge both horse and rider, WAHSET District 6 — which includes W.F. West, Tumwater, Hockinson, Washougal, Hazen and Elma high schools — has been known to share horses between schools when a rider needs it.
While equestrian events are often individual sports, the same spirit of collaboration can be found on the team level. Riders on the W.F. West team hail from schools across Lewis County.
Adam Kasper, the team’s first head coach, who is retiring this year, said in a previous interview with The Chronicle, “This is the greatest program.”
A parent of one rider from the team this week sent in a list of awards granted to the Lewis County athletes in an end-of-season celebration. After three district meets of accumulating points in their respective events, riders under the W.F. West flag then advanced to state and regional competitions. At the latter, about a dozen students brought home gold belt buckles.
The team’s celebration was held in late May at Lintott-Alexander Park in Chehalis.
For earning the most points in district gaming competitions, Mossyrock senior Josey Majors earned a certificate and gold belt buckle. Beside her earning the same prizes, Winlock junior Kylee Smith was awarded for being the highest point earner in the versatility category, meaning for a combination of gaming and performance events.
The final high point earner was home-schooled freshman Maizy Samuelson, who was also awarded gold for her performance riding.
Other awards presented to athletes at the event included the sportsmanship award for Napavine senior Liberty Smith. The title of most-improved performance rider went to Onalaska junior Emma Briggs, and most improved horse-and-rider duo was granted to W.F. West freshman Alana Wheeler-Doll and horse “Colt.” In gaming, the most improved rider was Mossyrock senior Reagan Olson, while the most improved duo award went to Winlock’s Kylee Smith and horse “Ellie.”
For the drill team, the synchronized swimming of equestrian events, the most improved rider award also went to Briggs, while Flanery earned the duo improvement title with horse “Cash.”
With Kasper’s retirement, Lea Elder will take the place as head coach for the upcoming season. The 2023 season coaches included Elder, Kasper, Kalee Clark, Jessica Steward and Crusi Joblonski.
Parents of the team also wanted to thank Linda Elder for her assistance during the season.
