Fresno State Athletics
Summer Training Energizes Dogs
8/2/2011 12:00:00 AM | Equestrian
Aug. 2, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. - After a trip to the 2011 Varsity Equestrian National Championships, the Bulldogs are making the most of their time this summer with a focus on returning to the main event and competing for a title.
The opportunity to get better and stronger is something that the Dogs utilized by gaining specialized experience in the competitive equestrian industry.
"Using the judges' feedback from last season and riding as many horses as possible will set me on the right track for the upcoming season," junior captain Lauren Carr said.
That feedback came at every show throughout the year as judges meet with competitors following each event to share their expert advice.
"I have also been riding as many different horses as I can after work to prepare for the upcoming season," junior Lanie Madrazo said.
Some of the riders, including Madrazo and fellow junior Kelley Holcomb, jumped at the chance to intern at stables this summer to learn more about horse care.
"I have been learning a lot about horse care," Madrazo added. "This will prepare me for next year by allowing me to take care of the team's horses."
Although many team members are separated by hundreds, and even thousands of miles they look to use each of their unique experiences to benefit the entire team.
"I am riding hard and I expect to bring perfection and enthusiasm in the show ring for this year's Bulldogs," Holcomb said.
While the Dogs are enjoying their training this summer, they are also looking forward to getting back in the saddle at Fresno State with their teammates
"I'm having fun helping out around our barn, but of course I miss the horses at school and all of my teammates as well," senior captain Shawna McClurg said.
With the end of the summer break quickly approaching, and the start of a new school year in sight, the Bulldogs will soon be reunited. They will kick off the 2011-2012 campaign this fall with shows returning to the Fresno State Student Horse Center.
"I can't wait to get this coming season started," McClurg noted. "I have a feeling it's going to be a great year."
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