A good equestrian drill team demonstrates expert riding skills, focus, determination, style and, most importantly, teamwork.
These components make W.F. West High School’s equestrian drill team’s so-far undefeated season a big deal. Many parents and friends who attend the meets refer to this event as “the football of the equestrian world” due to its high energy nature and the large crowds it draws.
The teams also earn extra points for crowd participation.
On Saturday night at the Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds in Elma, Mossyrock seniors Reagan Olson and Madison Smith, Centralia seniors Jeznee Journée and Allie Sutich, W.F. West senior Raylee Anderson, Toledo junior Shaylie Flanery, Onalaska junior Emma Briggs, Adna juniors Jayden Hellem and Katelyn Dipo, Adna sophomores Hailee Hellem and Cyndle Haller, W.F. West sophomore Shanelle Mathus, and home-schooled freshman Maizy Samuelson pulled out the second win of the season. Hockinson, Washougal and Tumwater placed second, third and fourth, respectively.
Last year, the drill team made it to regionals after taking third in the state. After Saturday’s performance, their ticket to this year’s state tournament in May is almost certainly punched. In each event done by equestrians in the district, the top three or the top 10% of performers — be they teams or solo riders — go to state, whichever number is higher.
