Cascade HS Equestrian Team members qualify for state

Cascade’s Washington State HS Equestrian Team (WAHSET) competed in their second of three seasonal meets, from March 27-31, with noteworthy results.

For the second meet in a row, Cascades Freestyle Fours Drill Team won first place.  Team adviser Mickey Lane stated that both first-place finishes automatically qualified the drill team for this year’s state competition. 

“The team has done an amazing job, considering they are all first-year riders in the Drill Discipline," she added. "Their hard work has paid off under Coach Cindy Fowler’s direction. We are also grateful for the support of local area business sponsors whose contributions fund the team’s participation during the season.”

The drill team is comprised of junior Hailey Bermingham, sophomores Ava Holmes and Sasha Morgan, freshman Ty Harris and senior Heidi Dougherty, who is an alternate. All five riders will be representing WAHSET District 1 at the state meet, which is scheduled for May 16-19 at the Grant County Fairgrounds in Moses Lake.

Other notable Meet 2 event and season Standing results by athlete were as follows:

Gloria Campbell tied for first place during In Hand Trail event and is tied for second in the District’s season standings.

Ty Harris finished fourth in the Steer Daubing event at Meet 2. For the season, he is tied for fourth in Break Away Roping, fifth in Individual Flags, and sixth overall in the Steer Daubing.

Ava Holmes performed strongly for the second meet in a row qualifying for State in two events with a finish place finish in Hunt Seat Over Fences (Jumping), and a second place finish in Dressage.

Hailey Bermingham finished second in Hunt Seat Equitation.

Additionally, Holmes, Morgan, and Campbell sit seventh, eighth, and ninth, respectively for the District’s season standings in Showmanship.

Cascade’s In-Hand Obstacle Relay Team of Bermingham, Holmes, Morgan and Campell are in eighth place Overall for the District 1 season.

Lane stated she is excited for the athletes looking ahead.

“Several athletes are close to qualifying for State in several events with strong performances at Meet 3,” Lane explained. “Campbell could qualify for State in In-Hand Trail with a first or second place finish next meet, or a top 3 finish overall for the District; and Harris could qualify for State with strong performances in his Cattle and Gaming Events at Meet 3.”

Additionally, Lane was most impressed with Hailey Bermingham’s efforts at Meet 2.  “Hailey had some bad luck with horse injuries this season, but she has persevered and and has now ridden seven different horses during the first two meets," she added. "It is a testament to her riding ability, flexibility, and being a true team player.”

The team’s final meet before State is scheduled for April 25-28 at the Appleatchee Riders facility, 1130 Circle St. in Wenatchee. Entry to the event is free, and locals are encouraged to attend and support Cascade’s riders.

Events take place Thursday afternoon (Dressage/Equitation), and all-day Friday (Hunt Seat over Fences, In Hand Trail and Obstacle Relay, Working Rancher, and Trail), Saturday (Flag Ceremony – 8 a.m., Drill Team Performances, Working Pairs, and Cattle events), and Sunday (all Gaming events).

Team senior Heidi Dougherty will be recognized on Senior Night Saturday evening during Meet 3.

The District 1 season awards ceremony will be held on Sunday after the completion of Gaming events.