April 30, 2002

Manhattan, Kan. - Three members of the K-State equestrian team will participate in the 2002 Intercollegiate Horse Show Association National Competition. This year the IHSA Competition is hosted by Cazenovia College on May 3-5 in Cazenovia, N.Y.

Junior Amber Everhart will be showing in beginner horsemanship, while senior Kelly Gratny competes in open reining and freshman Brandi Vogel performs in advanced II horsemanship.

"I am excited for these three ladies to have the opportunity to compete at nationals," said head coach Lindsay Breidenthal. "I expect for all three to do very well. This a great opportunity for younger riders to see high quality riders competing."

To qualify for IHSA National Competition, riders had to be one of the top-two finishers in their class at Zone 7 Competition. To qualify for zone competition, riders had to place in one of the top-three slots in their class at the Region 2 Competition.

K-State Qualifiers
Amber Everhart (beginner horsemanship) - Jr. - Topeka, Kan. - Two first-place finishes regional (3/9/02) and zone competition (4/14/02).
Kelly Gratny (open reining) - Sr. - Leavenworth, Kan. - Had six top-three finishes in reining, including four first-place and two second-place finishes.
Brandi Vogel (advanced II horsemanship) - So. - Lenexa, Kan. - Four first-place trophies; seven top-three finishes in nine shows.