DSU equestrian earns trip to national championships

Some members of the Hornet equestrian squad have earned one more ride before facing elimination at the end of the school year. The team’s Western riders have earned a berth in the Varsity Equestrian National Championships.

Some members of the Hornet equestrian squad have earned one more ride before facing elimination at the end of the school year.

The team’s Western riders have earned a berth in the Varsity Equestrian National Championships (VENC).  That competition is April 15-17 at the Heart O’ Texas Fairgrounds in Waco.

The Hornets are ranked 11th out of 12 teams in the tournament.  Teams are selected based on win percentage, strength of schedule and number of competitions.  DSU’s Western team had wins over University of South Carolina, then ranked fifth in the country, and  Tennessee-Martin, along with a tie against Baylor.

It’s the third straight year DSU has sent part of its team to nationals.  The English/Hunt Seat portion of the squad earned an VENC berth in 2008 and 2009.

Team members and one recruit, Melia Blakely, have sued the school, claiming DSU’s decision to drop the equestrian program violates Title IX.  A hearing on the preliminary injunction sought by team members and Blakely to keep the team intact until a trial is set for April 8th.

WHYY examined the Title IX lawsuits DSU faces over its decision to drop the equestrian program last week on FIRST.