October 05, 2006
Texas A&M freshman English rider Kristi Waldal (Battle Ground, Wash.) recently competed at the 2006 United States Equestrian Federation Talent Search Finals West at the Los Angeles International Jumping Festival.
Forty riders competed in the three-phase competition, one of the most prestigious that an equitation rider can contest. It is also the only true national championship held on the West Coast.
Waldal placed 22nd after the flat and gymnastics phases but moved up into the top 20 after the jumping phase, the final phase of the competition. Californian Nick Haness was named the winner of the Talent Search.
While at the Festival, Waldal also competed in the USEF Zone 8, 9, and 10 Hunter Seat Medal Regional where she finished in 17th place. She posted scores of 79.5 and 80 in the first round and 73 and 75 in the second.
The Aggies are in preparation for their first home competition of the year. A&M will host SMU at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15, in their first home match of the season.