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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (May 18, 2016)
14 Wednesday, May 18, 2016 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Equestrians bring home the gold at state meet One of the many high school sporting events held last weekend in Central Oregon was the Oregon High Schools Equestrian Teams (OHSET) State Championships held at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond. Sisters had eight athletes competing at the largest annual equestrian event in the Northwest, drawing over 300 kids and 400 horses from across Oregon. Senior Ellie Chandler set the stage by capturing the first gold medal for the Outlaws in Hunt Seat Over Fences (jumping), followed by eighth in Saddle Seat Equitation, and 17th in Individual Flags. Senior Cammi Benson then added to the medals I am honored to be able to compete alongside so many great riders. — Cammi Benson by winning the gold in Showmanship, silver in Working Rancher, silver in Horsemanship, fourth in Reining, and ninth in Hunt Seat Equitation. Senior Rylee Hurtley placed 12th in Barrels. Senior Isabella Allenbach placed 16th in Driving, and 19th in Saddle Seat Equitation. Cammi Benson also won the distinguished Individual Performance High Point buckle for earning the most points in all performance (judged) events. “I took third overall at state my freshman year, and second my sophomore and junior years, so I worked really hard to win it this year,” said Benson. “The competition is very tough at this level, and I am honored to be able to compete alongside so many great riders. My horses were right on, I had some great rides, and it all came together.” The Outlaws also did well in the team events. Cammi Benson, Isabella Allenbach, and Emma Nicklous placed 12th in Team Penning. Isabella Allenbach, Charlotte Barton, Erica Jeffrey, and Emily Ogen placed 16th photo by Jerry balDock Ellie Chandler wins state gold in Hunt Seat Over Fences. in Freestyle Fours Drill Team. As a team, the Sisters Outlaws placed 11th out of 104 competing teams from across the state. “The team worked hard all season, and it paid off with an excellent showing at the State Meet. Of course there were ups and downs, but the team handled it with poise and showed great sportsmanship all season long,” said Coach Lisa Allenbach. The Northwest Region consisting of Oregon and Washington equestrian teams will hold the Northwest Regional Championships on June 18-20 in Moses Lake, Washington. Athletes who placed in the top five at their respective state championship meet are eligible to compete at the prestigious regional event. Sisters athletes who qualified include Cammi Benson in four events, and Ellie Chandler in one event.