Briar Woods' Newest Team Takes the Reins

The Briar Woods Equestrian Team started off its inaugural show at the Pickwick-Clay Hill show on Sunday, Jan. 8, finishing a 9th out of 15 teams, with one rider taking first in a competition.

The finish turns out to be quite an accomplishment for a team that only recently formed and competed against teams that have been together since September. 

The riders practice at nearby Cavallo Farm and Michael Bertozzi serves as the team’s coach. The team recently became a member of the International Equestrian Association (IEA), which held the weekend’s competition. Currently, the Briar Woods Equestrian Team competes as a club sport, but the teammates hope other public schools in Loudoun begin to create their own equestrian teams. If that happens, the equestrian riding could become a varsity sport recognized by the VHSL.

Lindsay Dennis earned a 1st and 6th in Junior Varsity Novice, bringing home the team’s first blue ribbon at its first competition.

Sydney Wayne and Kelli Burns also brought home ribbons, receiving 4th and 5th in their classes for Junior Varsity Beginner.

On the Varsity side, Emily Murphy earned a 3rd in Varsity Intermediate while Kayla Shroyer placed 4th in Varsity Open.

Information can be found online at the team's website.

Congratulations to the teams and a big thanks to the Shroyer family for providing the information and pictures.