[History]

In 1999 we competed in one show where we finished 4th out of 10 teams, ousting one of the 4 varsity teams from the top 4 spots. We ranked 6th for the 1999 show season in Zone 7 Region 2. The 2000 season showed a dramatic growth for our team. We attended 10 regional shows and hosted 2 of those shows ourselves. We hosted the shows at the BREC Horse Activity Center in Baton Rouge. Despite little help from the University, we were able to organize the event thanks to the help of local trainers, horse owners, tack shops, and BREC. Our team placed 5th in our region for the 2000 season. Awards that our team received at various shows were High Point Team and Reserve High Point Team. A couple of our members also received the honor of being High Point Rider and Reserve High Point Rider.

In our 2001 season, we attended 8 shows and Kathleen Aertker qualified for Regionals in two divisions, Novice Flat class and Novice Over-fences class. Also, one of our members, received the award of Reserve High Point Rider. But most importantly, on March 11, 2002 the Equestrian Team at LSU was recognized as an official organization of the College of Agriculture. This honor shows is a result of our team's dedication to our sport.

In our 2002-2003 show season we did well. The LSU Equestrian Team placed 3rd in Zone 7. We sent two team members to Zone finals, one placed 3rd and the other 4th. For one show we earned the rank of Reserve High Point Team, and at another Janet Aertker was Reserve High Point Rider.

Our 2003-2004 team was third in our region, which is made if 14 schools from TX, LA, OK- 4 of which are Varsity teams. Schools include: Texas A&M, OSU, Texas Tech, West Texas A&M, UT, SMU, for a complete list go to www.campusequestrian.com. This year LSU’s very own Janet Aertker was the region champion Open Fences rider, winning over about 42 other riders from the 14 schools. She ended up being 2nd overall Open rider in the region (there are two classes, flat and fences, where your scores are combined to determine this overall placing). She was third in open flat, so that’s how she ended up 2nd overall. At individual shows throughout this year, she was the Hi-Pont rider twice and Reserve (second) Hi-Point rider once. Point Totals for the region

Our other open rider, Leaf Boswell, finished her season 5th overall in the Open Division. The open division is the highest division you can ride in.

We had five riders qualify for regional competitions this year: Janet Aertker, Leaf Boswell, Julie Saunders, Liz Waguespack and Camielle Walker. To qualify for regionals, you must earn a set number of points in your division. About 15-20% of riders achieve this each year.

We finished our 2004-2005 season ranked eighth in our region, which now consists of 16 universities. One of our riders, Sarah Bassett, qualified for the regional competition this year. Our riders who took home first place ribbons this year include, Tricia Berrigan, Leaf Boswell, and Erin Burger.