LAS CRUCES, N.M.—The IHSA Western Zone 7 Region 2 Regional Championships kicked off with an exciting first day, showcasing the depth of talent and determination. Riders delivered confident, polished performances in both horsemanship and ranch riding, earning top placings and valuable experience on the regional stage.
Standout Rides in Upper Divisions
Sienna Smithson led the team's efforts in the upper levels, securing
2nd place in Ranch Riding and
2nd place in Open Horsemanship. Her consistency across both technical and pattern‑focused classes set a strong tone for the day and highlighted her versatility as a rider.
Rookie Pre-Horsemanship Dominates the Leaderboard
The Rookie Pre-Horsemanship division proved to be one of the team's strongest areas, with multiple riders placing inside the top six:
With two riders taking home first-place honors and several others finishing close behind, the group demonstrated both depth and competitive readiness.
Beginner Horsemanship Highlights
In the Beginner Horsemanship division, riders showed strong improvement and poise:
Their performances reflected solid fundamentals and promising growth as they continue to develop in the sport.
Level 1 Horsemanship Efforts
Bethany Crouch represented the team in
Level 1 Horsemanship, delivering a steady ride and gaining valuable experience in a competitive field.
A Successful Start to Regionals
Day 1 of the New Mexico Western Regionals showcased a team full of determination, sportsmanship, and rising talent. With multiple top‑three finishes and strong showings across all levels, the riders set a confident foundation for the remainder of the competition.
