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Student qualifies for nationals |
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Thursday, 19 April 2007 |
by RYAN WIXTED
Intern Sports Reporter
Senior accounting major Ashley Buchanan knew exactly what she wanted for her eighth birthday.
“I kept telling her she had to wait until she turned 8,” Deborah Buchanan, Ashley’s mom, said. “The lady that gave the horseback-riding lessons would not take kids until the age of 8.”
Thirteen birthdays later, Ashley’s horseback riding career has
blossomed, becoming one of the top riders on this year’s club
equestrian team.
Her biggest achievement happened last week when she qualified for the
Western Nationals, which will be held in Springfield, Mass., May 6.
“I was in shock when I heard that I had qualified,” Buchanan said. “I
felt I had ridden the course pretty well and that I would place pretty
well.”
The road to qualifying was not easy.
To qualify for nationals Buchanan had to attend between seven to eight shows throughout the region.
She said in order to advance to a regional, each rider has to earn 35
points in their division. At a regional, you have to place first or
second in order to qualify for Zone Semifinals. Qualifying in the top
four at Zone Semifinals qualifies you for Nationals.
 Active Image | Special to The Appalachian
Senior accounting major Ashley Buchanan recently qualified for the Western Nationals that will be held May 6 in Springfield, Mass.
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Buchanan has been practicing twice a week at the Yonahlossee Equestrian
Center in Boone. She also travels twice a week to Charlotte to work
with a personal trainer.
“I usually drive down once or twice a week during the school year to
practice with him,” she said. “I spend about three hours in the saddle
each time.”
Although Buchanan has practiced with her own horse for Nationals, her horse will be unable to travel with her.
“All riders will have to draw a horse,” Buchanan said. “It allows each rider to have an equal opportunity.”
Equestrian team President Jessica Bryant believes Buchanan has what it takes to place first in the show.
“She is an incredible rider and very dedicated in doing the best,”
Bryant said. “ She had a goal and she went further than she dreamed.”
To complete the dream and add a ribbon to her trophy case, Buchanan will have to miss her college graduation.
“Nationals is the exact same day as graduation,” she said. “This is a
once a lifetime opportunity, and I definitely don’t plan on missing a
chance to ride.”
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