Kelsie Hand, a freshman at Forsyth Central High School, took first place at the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) national finals in late April at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers.

The finals are held each spring, bringing together the top qualifying riders from the 10 IEA Zones around the country.
In IEA events, riders are randomly assigned a horse prior to the competition and are judged on their ability to successfully navigate the course and demonstrate proper equitation skills.

Hand, who competes in both hunt-seat and western riding, earned multiple awards from a field of 17 riders.

She has been competing at IEA regular shows since August, accumulating points as both an individual and for the Central team.  

In March, Hand earned enough individual points to qualify for zone competition, where she placed high enough to earn a spot in nationals. 

Central is coached by Marcy Blue of Bleu Springs Farm, while Bill and Kelli Schuyler serve as teacher sponsors.

Emily Guhde, a sophomore at Pinecrest Academy, earned a seventh place finish in the national finals.

Guhde earned her ribbon in the varsity intermediate jumping class.  

Guhde was one of 19 riders to qualify nationally in her class and drew the first position in the competition. She also qualified to compete in the varsity intermediate flat class at the national finals.

Guhde, 16, has ridden and competed since she was nine years old and currently rides her horses (Andy and Angel) at their home in Suwanee. She trains with Carolyn Bell at Fortitude Farm in Alpharetta and is coached at Pinecrest by Julie Hill.

She hopes to continue to compete in IEA events with the Pinecrest team, as well as in local and A-Level shows individually, and to eventually ride for a college equestrian team.