By Ritik Shrestha ’22
Among the many successes of CC athletics this year, the achievements of the equestrian team might fly under the radar. During this season, Anna Lang ’19 qualified for the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association national tournament which took place May 2, at the New York State Fairgrounds.
Starting at the age of seven, Lang’s love for horses (and living in close proximity to a barn) made riding a natural fit. This isn’t to say that the process was easy as Lang juggled classwork and other responsibilities while also practicing at least twice a week. Using what she worked on in her lessons, Lang then had a grueling schedule of seven shows where competed for a spot in the regional tournament. She then needed to place at least first or second in the next two rounds of qualification to earn a spot to compete against the 16 best North American riders in her class.
“I haven’t had to ride as hard as I did in a very long time,” says Lang when asked about the qualification process. During nationals, the participants drew horse names out of a hat, with Lang drawing a grey gelding named Zazu. This was the first time she worked with this particular type of horse, adding to what was an already challenging experience.
While Lang did not finish in the top 10, she says that she was “extremely grateful for the opportunity and happy that she had the opportunity to go (to nationals).” When asked to sum up her season, she says she is grateful to her committed team for giving her “one of the best seasons I’ve had riding here at CC,” and she wants to give “a special thanks to my co-captain and best friend Mac Millard ’19 for supporting me over the past four years.” She also thanks her trainer, Tracy Powers “for helping me grow as a rider,” as well as her family and friends.
