Sequim Gazette staff
The Sequim Equestrian Team is in fine midseason form, earning 13 top-10 finishes at its second District 4 meet of the season, held in Spanaway on Feb. 26.
With more than 100 competitors at the meet overall, the Sequim squad earned its first top finish of the season as Kelly Anders, Sydney Balkan, Amanda Murphy and Abi Payseno won the Drill Team Freestyle Fours event.
Anders was runner-up in Reining while Balkan was second in Breakaway Roping and third in Steer Daubing. Payseno earned third in Pole Bending.
“I am so proud of our team,” coach Katie Salmon-Newton said. “Everyone improved their placings this meet.”
The third and final District 4 meet is set for April 8, also at the Spanaway facility. The state meet is May 12-15 in Monroe.
Top Sequim results from the Feb. 26 meet are:
• Individual events
Barrels: 10. Abi Payseno
Breakaway Roping: 2. Sydney Balkan
Dressage: 12. Balkan, 18. Haylie Newton, 20. Amanda Murphy
Figure Eight: 17. Payseno
Individual Flags: 6. Balkan, 15. Yana Hoesel
Pole Bending: 3. Payseno
Reining: 2. Kelly Anders
Saddleseat: 8. Anders, 9. Murphy
Steer Daubing: 3. Balkan, 5. Newton, 8. Murphy, 9. Anders, 12. Miranda Williams
Stockseat: 11. Anders
Trail: 19. Murphy
Working Rancher: 11. Newton
• Team events
Birangle: 10. Balkan/Payseno
Drill Team Freestyle Fours: 1. Anders/Balkan/Murphy/Payseno
In-Hand Obstacle Relay: 10. Hoesel/Anders/Newton/Murphy
Team Canadian Flags: 4. Balkan/Murphy/Newton/Williams
Working Pairs: 8. Anders/Balkan, 13. Murphy/Williams.
