Golden Eagle Western Equestrian Team Has Successful Regional Show as Amanda Peterson Qualifies for Western Semifinals

The Western Equestrian Regional Show was held on Saturday, March 8 at South Dakota State University in Brookings , S.D. Amanda Peterson (So, Rochester , Minn. ) was the Regional Champion in the Advanced Horsemanship Division.  She had a great ride and qualified to ride in the Western Semifinals at West Texas A & M University in Canyon, Texas on Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30. 

Other Golden Eagle Western team members placing were Jackie Ezell (So, Carlton, Minn.) with a sixth place finish in the Advanced Horsemanship Division and Sheena Engelbert (Sr, Bruce Crossing, Mich.) with a sixth place finish in a large Novice Division. Both Kayla Klein (Fr, Hazen , N.D. ) and Elsa Lunden (Fr, Annandale , Minn. ) made the preliminary cuts and made it into the finals of the Intermediate Division.

"I am very proud of how the U of M, Crookston riders did at regionals," says Golden Eagle Western Coach Nicky Overgaard.  "We didn't have the placings we had hoped for but they worked hard to get there and just the fact they made it there is an achievement in itself. Zone 9, Region 3 is one of the largest and most competitive regions in the nation. We are looking forward to making semifinals with Amanda Peterson and tweaking a few things before heading to Texas .  I think Amanda has the experience and confidence to do well."

NICKY OVERGAARD NAMED HORSEWOMAN OF THE YEAR

The Great Midwestern International Horse Show recently named Nicky Overgaard as the 2007 Horsewoman of the Year. Overgaard is an instructor in equine industries management at the University of Minnesota, Crookston.Overgaard is a previous Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) rider and founding member of the U of M, Crookston Golden Eagle Equestrian team. She led the Golden Eagles to Hunt and Western IHSA regional championships during the 1997-98 season. That same season, Overgaard helped coached teammates to the IHSA nationals. Overgaard opened her own training business in 1997 where she has had a great deal of success including winning the Red River Valley Super Horse award with a horse from local horse breeder, Lannis Bergsgaard.
Overgaard has coached multiple riders at the U of M, Crookston to IHSA Zone Championships. For the past ten years, Overgaard has served as an instructor in the University of Minnesota, Crookston equine program. She teaches such courses as training and showing, reproduction, western horsemanship, driving and English equitation. Overgaard has devoted herself to teaching and developing the talents of her students while sharing her passion for horses and serving as an ambassador for the horse industry. Overgaard served on the board for the Red River Valley Horse Breeders Association (RRVHBA) for several years.
The RRVHBA has been hosting one of the largest futurities in the Red River Valley for over four decades. It provides the opportunity for local breeders to promote their stallions and show subsequent offspring in the late fall horse show futurity. By awarding the Horsewoman/Horseman of the Year, the association has been recognizing outstanding individuals each year for their contributions to promoting and contributing to the horse industry in the Red River Valley. “Nicky continues to be a valued member of the Equine Science Program at the U of M, Crookston,” reflects Ron Del Vecchio, Ph.D., head of the Agriculture Department. “Her dedication to the students and to the integrity of the academic experience they receive serves as a constant motivator. Nicky is most deserving of this award and I am pleased that she has been justly honored as this year’s recipient. I cannot think of a more deserving individual.”
A native of Red Lake Falls, Minn., Overgaard graduated from the U of M, Crookston with a bachelor’s degree in equine industries management. She received a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Mary in 2005.
She and her husband, Jamie, reside in East Grand Forks, Minn., with their three children Austin, Justin and Braden

UMC Hunt Equestrian Team Successful at Madison

The University of Minnesota, Crookston Hunt Equestrian team kicked off their 2007-2008 season at the University of Wisconsin-Madison this past Saturday and Sunday. Coach Brooke Marcus and her squad had a very successful show. On Saturday, Nicole Veres (Fr., Random Lake, Wis.) placed first both in the Flat and Jumping Classes. She was just one of the Golden Eagles who had a successful day. Chrissy Radintz (So., Maple Grove, Minn.) took second place in the Novice Flat Class while Rebecca Rhodus (Fr., Kansas City, Missouri) placed first in the Beginning Walk-Trot-Canter Class. Jenae Hanson (So., Andover, Minn.), Andrea Reed (Sr., Williston, N.D.) and Janice Holdvogt (So., Eden Valley, Minn.) placed second, third and fourth respectfully in the Walk-Trot-Canter Class. The Golden Eagles finished third overall as a team on Saturday.
On Sunday, Veres continued her stellar performance by taking second place in the very competitive Novice Flat Division. Ashley Seiler (Sr., West Concord, Minn.), Kristi Zumbaum (Sr., Elk River, Minn.) and Jenae Hanson improved their performance and qualified for the Regional Competition on April 12. They are also in the running for the Zone Competition (April 13) and the National Finals (May 8-11). Hanson also took first place in the Walk-Trot Division while Zumbaum took first place in the Advanced Walk-Trot-Canter Division. Corey Ramsden (So., Sisseton, S.D.) won second place in the Intermediate Flat Section.
The Golden Eagles Hunt team is off this week. They will return to action on Saturday, October 27 and Sunday, October 28 when they host a Hunt Show at the University Outreach and Teaching Center (UTOC) on the U of M, Crookston Campus. However, the U of M, Crookston Western team will open their season this Saturday and Sunday at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

New Filly Welcomed to UMC

• Born March 26, 2007
• Sired by UMC stallion Dare To Tap, dam is Golden Kahlua, also owned by UMC
• Pending official name: UMC's Tap Into Gold
• Around the barn, this adorable bay filly is known as Rona

UMC Equine Science Student Meets 2007 Belmont Stakes Winner Rags to Riches

UMC Equine Science student, Monica Snyder, had the tremendous fortune to spend the summer of 2007 working as a breeding intern for Iron Spring Farm (ISF) in Coatesville , PA.   ISF is one of the premiere breeders of Dutch Warmblood and Friesian horses in the U.S.   For three and a half months, ISF provided Monica with valuable experience in stallion collection, semen processing, analysis and shipping, assistance with reproductive and general veterinary work, among many other things.  In addition, ISF indirectly provided Monica, an aspiring veterinary student, with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of doing some observation work at the University of Pennsylvania 's George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals at New Bolton Center .

ISF just happens to be only 15 minutes from the New Bolton Center at the University of Pennsylvania where the ill-fated racehorse Barbaro was treated. Monica happily shared the above photo with us and a bit about her experience:

"On my days off I would ride on rounds with Dr. John Lee of Unionville Equine Associates. He taught me many things, and the experience that I gained with him (in addition to past veterinary work) has only furthered my desire to be an equine veterinarian.  I had the good fortune to go there {New Bolton Center} on several occasions to observe procedures such as bone scans, ultrasound and x-ray work for tendon analysis, blood flow ultrasounds, diagnostics, and surgical techniques.
It was on one of these trips to New Bolton that I had the good fortune to meet Rags to Riches, winner of the 2007 Belmont Stakes.  In doing so, she became the first filly in 102 years to win the Belmont.  She was at New Bolton for a complete physical to ensure her soundness after she was pulled up from a workout.  Over the summer I also met such people as Dr. Dean Richardson (Barbaro's vet at New Bolton), Michael Matz (Barbaro's trainer), along with many famous jockeys, dressage riders, and other famous horses. It was a summer filled with adventure and learning, and I couldn't have asked for more from ISF.  They provided an experience that is completely unparalleled."

This story just goes to show how students from UMC have gone on to work with some of the top businesses in the industry.  Congratulations on your amazing summer opportunity, Monica!

U of M, Crookston News

University of Minnesota, Crookston  56716-5001                                                                                

Contacts:

Ron Del Vecchio, Ph.D., head, agriculture department, 218-281-8109 (delve004@umn.edu)
Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director of communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)  

Excitement Abounds at Annual Barrel Bash at U of M, Crookston Sun., May 6, 2007

CROOKSTON, Minn. (April 25, 2007) – Join the excitement as the U of M, Crookston (UMC) Rodeo Association holds its final barrel bash of the season on Sunday, May, 6, 2007, in the arena located in the University Teaching and Outreach Center (UTOC) just north of the campus. Activities begin at 11 a.m. with an exhibition.

Entry fees are $10 for the youth classes and $20 for the open classes. Everyone is encouraged to come and watch the competition; there is no admission charge.

"The barrel races are great for beginning to experienced riders. There are different divisions so everyone has a fair chance,” said Heather Schiele, president of the UMC Rodeo Association. "We hope to see a lot of youth at the competition because we are giving away four buckles."

The May 6 jackpot is the sixth time the Rodeo Association has hosted the competition. The event provides an opportunity for members of the UMC community, as well as the community at large, to compete for recognition, prize money and buckles.

Past events have been very successful, and members of the UMC Rodeo Association expect the upcoming event to live up to this tradition of excellence.

"Since we began hosting the barrel races they have grown each year, its great to see the familiar faces along with the new ones," said Danielle Hannon, member of the UMC Rodeo Association.

For more information on the Rodeo Association’s Barrel Bash or the equine science program at the U of M, Crookston, contact Amy Lubarski in the agriculture department at 218-281-8101 (lubarski@umn.edu).

The University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) delivers more than 25 applied-science undergraduate degree programs and 50 concentrations, including online degrees, in agriculture; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; math, science and technology; and natural resources. UMC is dedicated to helping students and the region aim higher, reach further and dream bigger dreams. To learn more, visit www.UMCrookston.edu.

CROOKSTON, Minn. (March 28, 2007) – Danika Kent, a sophomore from Lancaster, MN. University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC), placed first in the Intercollegiate Horse Showing Association (IHSA) Western Horsemanship semi-finals competition held in Pomona, Cal., on Saturday, March 24, 2007.

"This is an amazing accomplishment for a student athlete to attain. To progress to the national finals competition in any NCAA collegiate sport is a dream come true, and we are very proud of Danika and her diligence, hard work and success,” said Ron Del Vecchio, Ph.D., head of the agriculture department. “We are confident that she will represent UMC well in the national competition."

Kent, a double major in equine science and animal science, will now compete against the nation's best in the national finals competition to be held in West Springfield, Mass., from May 3-5, 2007. With the recent decision for UMC to stay Division II, the success of the IHSA athletic team and individual riders demonstrates that UMC's student athletes within the equestrian sports can successfully compete and excel to the level of the National final's competition.

"I am so proud of Danika and the accomplishments she has made in IHSA, both individually and for the team. She demonstrates a great attitude, willingness to learn and great sportsmanship. She is a fantastic rider and is definitely a tremendous role model for the other IHSA riders at UMC." said Jessica Sathoff, head IHSA coach.

Sophomore Lindy Hausauer, Moorhead, Minn., also competed in the semifinals placing seventh. Kent and Hausauer competed against 13 others semi-finalists from Universities such as Ohio State, Midway, Ohio University Southern, Cal Poly Pomona, College of Southern Idaho, Oregon State University, Western Washington University and the United States Military Academy.

For more information on IHSA or the equine science program at UMC, visit www.UMCrookston.edu/academics  or call Amy Lubarski at 218-281-8101 (lubarski@umn.edu).

The University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) delivers more than 25 applied-science undergraduate degree programs and 50 concentrations, including online degrees, in agriculture; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; math, science and technology; and natural resources. UMC is dedicated to helping students and the region aim higher, reach further and dream bigger dreams. To learn more, visit www.UMCrookston.edu.

The IHSA Women’s Equestrian Western Equitation and Hunt Seat Equitation Teams at UMC have once again attained success during the regular season and beyond.  On Sunday, March 4th UMC hosted the Regional IHSA competition and riders from UMC’s Hunt Seat Equitation Team competed against riders from University of Wisconsin-River Falls, University of Wisconsin-Madison, South Dakota State University, and North Dakota State University.  In a successful outing UMC’s Corey Ramsden took 2nd place - Reserve Champion in the intermediate division on the flat and has advanced to the zone (semifinals) competition to be held in the Chicago area on April 1st.  If successful in Chicago, Corey would advance to the National Finals competition.

On Sunday, March 11th riders from UMC’s IHSA Western Equitation Team competed in Brookings, SD in the regional competition hosted by South Dakota State University.  UMC riders competed against riders from University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, North Dakota Sate University, and South Dakota State University.  In the Intermediate Division, Danika Kent took first place and won the Championship while Lindy Hausauer won second place – Reserve Champion.  Both of these ladies qualified to compete in the semifinals to be held in Pomona, CA on March 24th.  If they are successful in Pomona, Danika and Lindy would advance to the National Finals competition.  In addition, Matt Abraham won third place and Amber Miller took fourth place in the Intermediate Division.  Therefore, UMC riders took 1st through 4th place inclusive in the Regional competition, a very impressive accomplishment.  In the Advanced Western Division, Jackie Friesen won third place and Cory Ramsden took fourth place.

Dr. Ron Del Vecchio, Head of the Ag Department stated “This is a testimony to the quality of students we have in the Equine Science program at UMC.  The continued success of our student athletes competing on UMC’s IHSA Equestrian Teams is second to none on our campus and we are extremely proud of their performance.”

A well deserved congratulation goes out to these UMC athletes and well wishes to them for continued success in the semifinals competition and beyond.

The Equine Science Program at UMC Has Two New Partners in Education

In March of 2007 The University of Minnesota Crookston Agriculture Department-Equine Science Program signed articulation agreements with both Laramie County Community College (LCCC) in Cheyenne, Wyoming and Black Hawk College (BHC) in Kewanee, Illinois.

Articulation agreements are designed to allow students enrolled in various programs at two-year institutions to transfer the vast majority of their credits to a four-year institution such as UMC.  In this particular case, students at LCCC and BHC can transfer to UMC and enroll in the four year Bachelors of Science degree program in Equine Science and virtually be guaranteed acceptance of the credits earned at their respective previous institutions.  The UMC Equine Science Program has a vision of growth and development. Additional articulation agreements, as a component of this vision, will be pursued in the future.

“I am very pleased to announce that we have expanded the number of articulation agreements within the Agriculture Department – Equine Science Program at UMC to include two addition agreements; one with Laramie County Community College in Wyoming and another with Black Hawk College in Illinois.  Increased collaboration with institutions within the state of MN as well as outside of the state is essential in order to ensure increased enrollment of transfer students” said Dr. Ron Del Vecchio, Head of the Agriculture Department.

 
The University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) delivers more than 24 different undergraduate degree programs, including online options, in agriculture; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; math, science and technology; and natural resources. UMC is dedicated to helping students and the region aim higher, reach further and dream big dreams. To learn more, visit www.UMCrookston.edu.

These high school students from Fertile, Minn., were part of the 1300 students particpating in Ag Activities Day.

True Grit Award Winners Named at U of M, Crookston’s Ag Arama

CROOKSTON, Minn. (January 29, 2007) – Winners of the True Grit Award were  announced at Ag Arama at the University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007. The award is the most coveted of all awards at the annual competition, and this year, three students were selected for the recognition.Kelli Pulford, Richville, Minn., Thor Vettleson, Trail, Minn., and Gretchen Smeby, Grygla, Minn., were this year’s recipients.

The True Grit Award is dedicated to the memory of Todd Opsahl a UMC student in 1973-74. Opsahl was extremely active in campus activities especially in the Ag Division where he studied animal science. Todd’s life was cut short by leukemia. In his remembrance, the True Grit award is presented to the student who best demonstrates Todd Opsahl’s active participation and encouragement of others.

Ag Arama is an annual winter competition that features contests for students in agronomy, animal science, horticulture, and natural resources. Through these contests the event allows current students to showcase their knowledge and skills in their major area of study and gives them a chance interact with each other, with alumni, and with faculty members. Ag-Arama is planned and operated by a committee of UMC students and advised by UMC faculty members.

For information on programs in agriculture, natural resources and horticulture at UMC, visit http://academics.umcrookston.edu or call 218-281-8569.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) delivers more than 24 different undergraduate degree programs, including online options, in agriculture; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; math, science and technology; and natural resources. UMC is dedicated to helping students and the region aim higher, reach further and dream big dreams. To learn more, visit www.UMCrookston.edu.

Kelli Pulford, Thor Vettleson, and Gretchen Smeby

Royalty Crowned at U of M, Crookston’s 2007 Ag Arama on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007

CROOKSTON, Minn. (January 29, 2007) – Coronation at Ag Arama 2007 was held at the University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007. Royalty crowned were King Cory Detloff, Bertha, Minn., Queen Amy Konradi, Canby, Minn., Prince Matt Przekwas, Roseau, Minn.,  and Princess Danika Kent, Lancaster, Minn.

The faculty of the agricultural management division at UMC nominate the candidates and a panel of judges selects the male and female students they feel best reflect the goals and spirit of the UMC Agricultural Management Division. Selection is based on congeniality and involvement in the division along with campus activities.

Ag Arama is an annual winter competition that features contests for students in agronomy, animal science, horticulture, and natural resources. Through these contests the event allows current students to showcase their knowledge and skills in their major area of study and gives them a chance interact with each other, with alumni, and with faculty members. Ag-Arama is planned and operated by a committee of UMC students and advised by UMC faculty members.

For information on programs in agriculture, natural resources and horticulture at UMC, visit http://academics.umcrookston.edu or call 218-281-8569.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) delivers more than 24 different undergraduate degree programs, including online options, in agriculture; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; math, science and technology; and natural resources. UMC is dedicated to helping students and the region aim higher, reach further and dream big dreams. To learn more, visit www.UMCrookston.edu.

King Cory Detloff, Queen Amy Konradi, Prince Matt Przekwas, Princess Danika Kent

More than 100 horse owners attended the horse owner education program held in mid February at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Sessions covered equine behavior, body condition scoring, saddle fitting, equine metabolic syndrome and equine first aid and pre-purchase exams.

“Having UMC equine science faculty engage in adult educational programming in cooperation with the U of M, Extension is an invaluable way to reach horse owners and introduce them to new issues and technologies as well as update them on current topics that affect the horse industry.

“Having known experts from the Twin Cities, Crookston campus and the private sector coming together to discuss critical areas of interest provides an important link between higher education and the community,” Agriculture Professor and Department Head Ron Del Vecchio, Ph.D., said.

The workshop was sponsored in collaboration with U of M, Extension.