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NEWPORT – The Newport High School Equestrian Team is in its third year. The team has been practicing every Monday evening to be prepared for a variety of events that they are able to compete in. According to team advisor and founder Amanda Hammer, the team has a lot of interest in gaming events, cattle events like steer daubing, sorting and breakaway roping.
“We also have a good interest in reining, working rancher and trail type classes,” Hammer said.
Some of the team events that the students are training for include working pairs (which is a preset pattern to music of their choice and their horses in costume), possibly a small drill team, team versatility and IHOR (in hand obstacle relay) as well as a few others.
This year the team consists of six members: Hailey Bolyard, a junior at Newport High School has been on the team for all three years. She is currently the team president. Her favorite events include gaming/ timed events, cattle events and she is hoping to try reining this year.
Hailey Long is a junior as well. She has also been on the team all three years. She enjoys many events from gaming to cattle events and is hoping to form a drill team and to do trail. Long is vice president.
Addy Hamilton is a freshman at Newport High School and new to the team this year.
She is interested in gaming events and anything team event related. She is also wanting to give some performance classes a try.
She is team treasurer.
Alyssa Dahlin is a freshman. She is homeschooled and lives in the Diamond Lake area. This is Dahlin’s first year on the team. She enjoys gaming events and some in-hand events. She says she also looks forward to doing team-based events. Dahlin is team secretary.
Evelyn Dahlin is also a freshman who is homeschooled and lives in the Diamond Lake area. This is her first year on the team. She enjoys a diverse selection of events from gaming to performance classes.
“We hope to see her thrive in team events as well,” Hammer said.
Zion Coote is a freshman at Cusick High School, and this is her first year on the team. According to Hammer, Coote is learning a lot and looks forward to gaming events, team events and hopefully some performance events.
Other coaches this year include performance coaches Amanda Knutson and Audrey Henning. They both have a background in reining.
“Amanda has coached for us our first year, as well as this year,” Hammer says.
“Audrey is new to our coaching program and has experience in equine body work.
Garret Hammer is our gaming coach. Due to having children in Washington High School Equestrian Team (WAHSET), this is his fifth year being a part of WAHSET and second year being a coach.”
Hammer is a teacher at Sadie Halstead Middle School and has also been involved in WAHSET for five years.
The NHS Equestrian Team will have a fundraiser dinner in Cusick at the American Legion on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 5 p.m.
The menu is smoked brisket and there will be a silent auction with a variety of items.
There will also be a live dessert auction with donated and homemade desserts. Tickets are $20 for adults, 10 and under will be $10 and ages five and under will be free. The public is invited to attend.
If you would like to donate to the team or have something to provide for the auction, contact Amanda Hammer at 509-264-337.
