The Oxford High School Equestrian Team has once again dominated the season ? and earned their fifth consecutive District II Championship Title.
The team’s season opened up on Sept. 18 at the Armada Fairgrounds. The Oxford riders earned 279 points of the 580 possible. According to team parent Marilyn Barnhart, the Wildcats dominated the show: the team taking second only earned 109 points.
The Oxford riders second show was on Sept. 19, again in Armada. Once again, the riders earned an impressive 299 points of the 580 available. Second place once again trailed far behind with only 95 points.
This past Saturday, the team yet again traveled to the Armada Fairgrounds for their final show, and out performed the other schools with a 285 point win, giving the Wildcats a first place district total of 863. Romeo took second place in the district with 315 points.
Oxford’s Equestrian Team is composed of 14 riders (13 girls and one boy), and is coached by Dee Shepard with help from her daughter Liz Shepard, a past Wildcat rider. Team captains for the year are seniors Becky Barnhart and Jessica Conn.
‘The team went in as a favorite, but that didn’t deter them from working hard and getting better and better during the season,? said Dee Shepard.
‘It was a pleasant surprise that the point gap was so large. They definitely surpassed my expectations,? she added.
The Wildcats will continue forward to State Competition, held in Bay City on Oct. 14-17. This will be the fourth time the six seniors on the team have competed at this level – and they have a set road to follow with two reserve championship titles in the their history.
‘The kids have been fabulous this season,? said Shepard. ‘I really appreciate their hard work and dedication. I also appreciate all the help assistance I’ve received from everyone – my daughter, the parents, my volunteers – thank you, everyone.?
Good Luck Oxford riders! Let’s bring home that Championship this year!