COS Equestrian Team Shines in Cal Poly-SLO Show; Prepares for Western Semi-Finals  

1/26/24 

Last weekend was an incredible showing for the COS Equestrian team in San Luis Obispo. COS solidified their spot in the post season, and earned the top spot in the region at the Cal Poly IHSA Equestrian Show. "We are excited about our performance this year, and we are looking forward to a competitive postseason" said COS Head Equestrian Coach Kim Pitigliano.    

Taylor Stephens (Wytech Charter) clinched the title of American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) High Point rider in the region, and is also set to represent COS at the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) National Championships in North Carolina.  The IHSA Championships are hosted at Tryon International Equestrian Center from May 3rd to 5th. Stephens also has qualified for the Western Semi-Finals, which are taking place in Tennessee from March 22 to 24. "What a season she has had," said Pitigliano, "she is bringing in a lot of confidence into these next shows."  

COS rider Annika Hansen (Hanford HS) also won the meet for her class, taking the first prize in the rookie division. Hansen will join Stephens at the Western Semi-Finals in Tennessee. Cloe Terrill (Exeter Union HS) has also secured her spot in the Western Semi-Finals for the beginner walk/jog category.  

"This has been a great season for us and I am so proud of this team overall" said Pitigliano." A total of seven team members will head to the semi-finals in March, and we were fortunate enough to win our region."  COS' region consist of Cal Poly Pomona, Cal Poly-SLO, Stanford, UC Davis, Sonoma State, University of Nevada-Reno, and Reedley College.