Two autumn road trips proved both educational and victorious for a group of Kirkwood Community College students. A group of Horse Science majors and their instructor visited two notable equestrian events in Oklahoma and brought back several awards.
The students attended the Morgan Grand National & World Championship Horse Show in Oklahoma City in early October. Four students won judging awards at the event: John McGough of Cedar Rapids; Christy Wilson, Muscatine; Ashley Beachel, Marion; Cheryl Brooks, Toronto, Iowa. Also in attendance were: Hannah Marshall and Brittany Friedrichsen, both of Adel; Megan O’Connor, Cedar Rapids; and Horse Science Instructor Megan Green.
The team also took part in the Arabian Nationals Horse Show in Tulsa, Okla. in mid-October.
Kirkwood’s Green says the equestrian-focused tours are “great, eye-opening experiences” for the students.
“Not only did these young people get a chance to see world-class horse events up close, but we got to see a lot of the affiliated industries in the cities, too. For example, we took them on tour of an important and historic operation, National Saddlery in Oklahoma City. Plus, it was a great opportunity for them to meet breeders and industry professionals at every level. They got to compete with the best of the best and meet the same in a fun atmosphere,” Green added.
The informative road trips are far from over for the Kirkwood equestrian students. Green says there is a spring 2009 trip planned to Murphreesboro, Tenn. and the annual Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors show.
More information on the Kirkwood Horse Science programs is available from Megan Greeen via e-mail: