Denmark/L-C Equestrian Team wins championships

LUXEMBURG-CASCO – The Denmark-Luxemburg/Casco Equestrian Team won its first ever State Title at the Wisconsin Interscholastic Horsemanship Association State Championship show Oct. 24-26 with 201 points. The competition was held at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Team Advisor Heather Hermans said Denmark has had an equestrian team since 2018, but this is the first year they have collaborated with Luxemburg-Casco and provided the L-C students with the opportunity to participate.

Hermans had been advisor to the Denmark team for six years. She joined when her daughter was in sixth grade and the previous coach retired, meaning the group would have to dissolve without a new leader. The team also has a trainer who helps the girls handle their horses. Hermans’ daughter will graduate this year and is considering taking over the role as advisor.

This year’s team has six members, split down the middle with three from Denmark and three from L-C.

The team showcases a variety of skills at the championship, like showmanship, where the rider is on the ground and showing the horse. There is also trail, which is obstacle negotiation, plus speed and jumping.

Hermans said coaching the team to victory was a special moment, especially because she has taken the team to state so many times before without winning.

There are types of competition some may not expect, like English equitation where the rider must walk the horse through a pattern while wearing English riding attire.

Hermans said the competition was made possible by fundraising and sponsors which helped pay for stall fees and some travel.