With the regular show season at an end, MTSU coaches prepare to send their 5 qualified riders to compete at the National IHSA Show, held May 4 to 7 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. MTSU's Equestrian Team will be sending riders in both the western and English seats.

Head Coach, Anne Brzezicki, feels confident in the abilities of her riders, having watched their dedication to the sport.

"No one person is perfect, but within the team, we have great intelligence, dedication, strength, phenomenal work ethic, strong leadership, helpful hearts, careful analysis, lots of energy and a love for the horses that make all the work fun. And they have all put in the work and the time to be better than they were last year. This team has learned to work together to take advantage of everyone’s strengths and appreciate what they each bring to the team."

Two riders, Lauren King and Delaney Rostad, will compete in the individual Open Reining while Morgan Bowie competes in individual Advanced Horsemanship.The two hunt seat riders who qualified are Kelsey Sloan, competing in the Open Over Fences and Lindsey Ross, who qualified in the Novice Over Fences.

Ross and Bowie are both headed to nationals for the first time, but don't let their rookie status fool you. Bowie pointed up into the Open division this year and Ross was awarded Region Champion in Novice Horsemanship and Novice Equitation Over Fences.Both ended the year on a positive note and they have hopes that their fortune carries over into nationals.

"We have had a very successful year, winning our region in all 8 shows in the Western Division, and being second by not much to Vanderbilt in the Hunter Seat Division. And we had the top two riders if the region in Western, plus the top rider in Hunt Seat. We started out with good energy in September and the team worked together all year, putting what was best for the team ahead of their own interests. When everyone supports each other that way, a lot more gets accomplished." Said Brzezicki.

Rostad, King and Sloan will be traveling to nationals with previous experience under their belt, all having qualified before. This is an advantage for MTSU as the girls know what to expect and are able to inform Bowie and Ross of the horse's strengths and weaknesses, as well as what to expect at the show. MTSU is headed to the national show boasting much success for the season.

There is no doubt these five young ladies are full of talent that will represent MTSU well!

"It would be great to have a National Champion, but as long as everyone does their part, and works their best, I am happy. And very proud of how far these students have come this year, regardless of the placings." Said Brzezicki.