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DISTRICT MEET Equestrians learn focus, patience in training for Southern Oregon meet Equestrians learn focus, responsibility in training for competition Comment By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 17, 2015 at 2:57 PM By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 17, 2015 at 2:57 PM » Social News CENTRAL POINT — In a flash of hooves and dirt, Crater High School senior Caitlin Wright's horse bolts from the Compton Arena's just-opened gate and pursues the sprinting cow Wright is hoping to rope. The Gold Hill girl twirls her rope over her head and throws once but just misses her mark, drawing her round of break-away roping to a close. It's one of numerous events Wright will participate in over the weekend at the Southern Oregon High School Equestrian Team district meet, held in three Jackson County Expo arenas through Sunday. The recreational, showmanship and freestyle events will feature about 90 students from 13 high schools across Southern Oregon, with top qualifiers advancing on to the state meet in Redmond. Most participants have been at it since November, not only keeping an exhaustive training schedule, but feeding their animals, mucking stalls and trying to keep their animals healthy. "It's just great to watch the kids' growth over four years, watch their riding capabilities change so much," says Toni Bonner, Henley High School's coach and vice chair for the Oregon High School Equestrian Teams southern district. "I wouldn't have raised my child without the experience." Riders say the multi-event sport requires dedication, time management, focus and patience. Wright, 18, has been riding horses since she was 4 years old, but the amount of work required has certainly increased in recent years. Nowadays, she's up at 5:30 a.m. to feed the horses and cows on her farm, and also finds time to ride three times a week while brushing the animals, keeping them clean and maintained, and getting them medical treatment if needed. "It's taught me loads of responsibilities," Wright says. Teresa Fraser, South Medford High School's coach, says the process of feeding and caring for animals while fitting in school and life is daunting, but necessary. "The big thing with the kids is having to be a leader. They have to be a leader to these animals," Fraser says. "It's quite a big thing." But the payoff is sizable, participants say. They look forward to the meets and enjoy the camaraderie. With every new break-away roping pursuit, cheers thunder throughout the arena from multiple teams. "I've learned a lot from watching other people," says 14-year-old South Medford freshman Allison Hahn. Wright adds that a lifetime of riding also has shown her the lasting bonds equestrian competitors form with the animals during training. "I think it's really awesome that you get the chance to be one with a big animal," Wright says. "It's almost like 'Avatar,' but with horses." Reach reporter Ryan Pfeil at 541-776-4468 or [email protected] . Follow him at www.twitter.com/ryanpfeil . By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 17, 2015 at 2:57 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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