By Rebecca Wyatt Thomas, OU Web Writer
Last year Cortney Glass competed in the International Horse Show Association national championship, she thought it would be her final competition. However, this year, Glass got back on the horse and after a successful season, she will represent OU again in the national championships, which will be held May 8-10 in Burbank, Calif. Glass finished fifth in her class at the national competition last year.
Glass is on the OU Equestrian team, which trains at HaverHill Farms in Highland, Mich., and is coached by Christopher Ewing. Glass earned the chance to compete in the national competition after taking second in her class at the zone competition.
Last year, Glass, a nursing student, said academics and riding with the team was too demanding. She planned to quit the team and focus on her studies. After encouragement from her mom, Glass decided to give the equestrian team one more year.
“I really like the team and it’s been a really good experience for me,” Glass said. “I’m thinking this is my last year, but I can technically show for one more year. I’m not sure what I will do next year.”
In the zone competition, the OU riders competed against riders from Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky. Glass finished second in her division. For equestrian competitions, the riders are assigned a horse from the host institution. Not only do they have to perform their skill set for judges, they have to do it on a new horse each time.
“I got the best horse you could possibly get. I was nervous all day and when I drew that horse, I knew she was a good horse and I could do well,” Glass said.
There were eight riders in Glass’ division at the zone competition and there will be 18 riders in her division at the national competition.
“Last year, the focus of the national competition was jumping. I’m not as comfortable with jumping as I am with other areas. This year, the focus is flatwork. I’m a little bit more comfortable with flatwork, but I am still nervous,” said Glass, who has been riding horses for 13 years and competing for a number of those years.
To prepare for the competition, Glass has been working with Ewing and using some of his prize horses.
Last year, Glass paid her way to the national competition. This year, she received some money from OU’s club sport program and has also been holding fundraisers to raise the extra money to cover airfare, lodging and the other costs of the competition.
Glass’ division will compete May 10. Watch The News at OU for results of her performance.
For more information, visit the OU Equestrian Team Web site.