By Kacey Whorley
As sports have come to a sudden halt around the world, Ferrum College’s Equestrian team has found a way to compete in replacement of their season. Due to COVID-19, most teams in the United States have been restricted to socially distanced practices, less face-to-face events, and absolutely no competition between other colleges.
In place of the ODAC competition, Ferrum’s equestrian coach, Margaret Cornwell and her team of five participated in a “virtual contest”. In this contest, each team member sent a video of them riding to a third-party judge for scoring.
In an interview with sophomore Equestrian member, Grace Howell, she expressed her opinion on the “new normal” for sports.
“I was disappointed that we weren’t going to get to have a real season, but I’m super excited to be around my coach and teammates and can’t wait until we get to return to normal,” Howell stated.
Howell also expressed how the virtual competition gave her and her teammates something to look forward to, as the results would contribute to an “end of the year award.”
The results from the virtual contest are as follows. For the Intermediate division, Grace Howell placed 4th, and Saige Stuart- Hughes placed 5th. For the Novice division, Lindsay Koogler placed 5th. For the Advanced Beginner division, Emma William placed 4th. For the Beginner High Point Rider division, Hattie Rieck placed 3rd. Overall, Ferrum’s Equestrian team was named Reserve Champion team.
The team sent in their videos for a second competition Friday, Nov. 6 and are awaiting their results.
The team sent in their videos for a second competition Friday, Nov. 6 and are awaiting their results.