Giants produce another national semifinalist during successful season

By Nick Giannandrea

COS Athletics

Emily Smith was the Regional Reserve Champion in Class 12 and earned a spot in the national semifinals to highlight the performances of College of the Sequoias' equestrian team during the 2019-2020 season.

Smith, a Visalia native, wasn't able to compete in the national semifinals in Galva, Ill., because it was canceled over precautions to the global coronavirus pandemic.

The Regional Championships also saw COS riders Heather Williams (Porterville) place third and Brooklyn Dieter (Visalia) place fifth in Class 11.

At the State Championships, Visalian Cheyenne O'Dell, who was a national semifinalist in 2019, placed third in Class 16 and fourth in Class 15. 

Also for the Giants, Megan Frassetto (29 Palms) was the Reserve Champion in Class 13, Smith was third in Class 12, Williams was fifth in Class 11 and Dieter was the Reserve Champion in Class 11.

COS' Hunk of Chocolua, nicknamed Boyd, was selected the Horse of the Year at the State Championships.

During regional competition, O'Dell placed 10 in Class 15/16, while in Class 11, Paige Hardin (Hanford) was fifth and Dieter was sixth.