The first place finish gave the Wildcats an undefeated record this season. Dehlia Burdan won high-point rider of Region 2, beating teammate Allison Woodworth by one point. This accomplishment automatically qualified Burdan for IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association) Nationals on May 7-8. Burdan also earned the Sportsmanship Award for Region 2, making her the first Wildcat to receive this honor.

In the final show of the regular season, the Wildcats also received first place finishes from Allison Woodworth in open over fences, Summer Hamil in novice flat section A, Meghan Felts in open flast section B and Macie Ayers in advanced walk/trot/canter. Other top finishers included second place points for Kelli Wilson in novice fences, Woodworth in open flat section A, Christy Conforti in novice flat section A and Jessica Gittleman in novice section B.

With Rachel Etken’s second-place finish in walk/trot, the Wildcats passed Northern Illinois for team high-point honors with 36 after Saturday’s show. Her second place points were crucial since the team point standings depended on the outcome of this class.

“I’m so proud of Rachel,” said assistant coach Meghan Cunningham. “She won it for our team with her strong performance.”

Finishing with first place finishes in Sunday’s Regional show included Woodworth in open over fences, Lauren Demmel in intermediate flat, Janelle Orr in novice flat and Gittleman in walk/trot/canter. K-State also had three second place finishers, including Burdan in open over fences, Sarah Waxman in intermediate over fences and Conforti in walk/trot/canter.

The seven Kansas State riders with first- and second-place finishes at Sunday’s regional show advance to Zones, which will be held at Fox Creek Stables in Manhattan, Kan. on April 3. Due to their first place finish in the regular season, the Wildcats will also compete as a team at Zones.

“We will have a great advantage at Zones,” said Cunningham, “since it’s at our own house and horses we’re familiar with. I’m really proud of the whole team and looking forward to competing at Zones.”