MANHATTAN, Kan. The Kansas State equestrian team will open the 2005-06 season this weekend as it travels to Kirksville, Mo., for two combined shows at Truman State. The Wildcats, who will square off against Iowa State, Missouri State, Northwest Missouri State, Black Hawk College and Truman State, open the season with a show on Saturday before wrapping up competition Sunday afternoon.

“We have had one solid week of practice, so our girls may be a little rusty,” said second year head coach Teresa Slough. “This week is just about getting back in the swing of things, getting back in the saddle and maintaining our focus. I expect the lineup to be tough and the school’s competing will be our main competition throughout the season, so we are looking forward to getting started.”

The Wildcats will look to build on the success achieved by the 2004-05 K-State squad as they won their region in IHSA competition by over 20 points in Western competition and by over 60 points in the Hunt Seat division.

After concluding a stellar regular season, the team continued their success in the post season earning “Top-Seven” team finishes in Hunt Seat and Western competition at the Varsity Equestrian National Championships and at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association National Championships.