Dear CSI Equestrian Team members past and present,

Over the years I have learned a great deal in the equine industry through the IHSA and the riders I have taught. It has been a great chapter in the book of life for me full of great uncontrolable laughs and successes. Just recently I announced to my current E-Team, year 8, that I would be stepping down as coach after this season of 2004-2005. It was a very difficult decision because of the great passion I have for IHSA, coaching, horses, and most of all my students. Over the 8 years as coach I have fond memories of each and every student that will stay in my heart forever.

Because of life events that have recently taken place in my life I feel the decision is needed. I lost my borther in law of 30 years this summer. Then in late summer I almost lost my father to heart complications. My business is growing and it is hard to be away so much and yet keep it at the professional pace I would like. Then, each time i return my kids look like they have grown two inches and I feel now is the time that their life needs me the most. More chapters to be written and experienced.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to especially my current team for the greatest memory I will have forever which will be the group hug you all gave me as I announced my retirement as CSI coach. That point was greater than any saddle ever won or reserve championship. It was overwhelming and all our tears were so touching. SOrry that I was so emotional and became a blubbering cry baby!! You all mean alot to me and I take great pride in your learning and achievement.

To the past riders, thank you for your continued contact and friendship. I am proud of your successes, growth, development as husbands, wifes, and parents. I hope someday all of the riders from the 8 years can get together to talk about the great times, stories, and moments we all shared.

Currently the team is leading in the Western division and only a few points behind the lead in the English. We have the current Cachione cup rider and we have the AQHA rider who is tied in the region. Our goal is to win all 4 divisions for 2004-2005. We must remember that if we should not achieve that goal it is not a failure. The path of getting there is the greatest expereince you could of ever have and the greatest success.

Thank you CSI E-team for the memories. God bless you.

Best forever, Coach Curt

By Tammy Hendriks.
Twin Falls, ID CSI Horse Show—The College of Southern Idaho Equestrian Team performed very well in its second meet recently at CSI.
On Saturday, CSI won both team high points. Stephanie Patterson of Gooding, ID received an individual high point rider. CSI is currently the lead in the division against eight other regional college teams.
Other members to place in the top two of their individual classes were: Katie Brunelle of Meridian, ID; Jerre Christopherson of Castleford, ID; Nic Eisenbarth of Soda Springs, ID; Tammy Hendriks of Idaho Falls, ID; Joetta Johnson of Powell, WY; Jeff Miller of Filer, ID; Maghan Sederholm of Lewistown, MT; Christa Dew of Auburn, CA; and Charles Hudson and Nikki Ward from our alumni group. The team took ten firsts, eleven seconds, five thirds, three fourths, and six fifths.
CSI equestrian team is scheduled to compete again in Missoula, MT Nov. 13th and 14th.

By Katie Brunelle. May 8, 2004
See Nationals Results

Murfreesboro, TN

The Intercollegiate Horse Show Association National Championship show was held at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum May 6-9, 2004 in Murfreesboro, TN.

The College of Southern Idaho competed against 126 universities and colleges with 456 riders from all over the United States. CSI captured a 7th place win in the AQHA Trophy Team competition. Stephanie Watkinds of Hermiston, OR rode away with a 5th place award in AQHA Team Novice Horsemanship. Angie Cameron of Bellevue, ID took home a 4th place win in the team Intermediate division.

Team riders consisted of Brenna Burris of Rock Springs, WY, Stephanie Watkinds of Hermiston, OR, Katie Collier of Clarkston, WA, Angie Cameron of Bellevue, ID, and Jaylene Lammers of Hansen, ID.

Rider Katie Brunelle of Meridian, ID brought home a 5th place in Individual Intermediate Western Horsemanship.

For the first time this year, members of the CSI team competed in the IHSA Horse Judging Contest held on May 5th previous to the show. CSI placed 6th overall. The judging team consisted of Meghan Sederholm of Lewistown, MT, Brenna Burris, Katie Brunelle, Angie Cameron, and Katie Collier.

National Champion AQHA Trophy Teams placed as follows: 1st Texas A&M (NCAA), 2nd California State University Fresno (NCAA), 3rd Oklahoma State University (NCAA), 4th Ohio State University, 5th Blackhawk College, 6th University of Findlay, 7th College of Southern Idaho, 8th Cazenovia College, 9th Middle Tennessee State University, 10th New Mexico State University.

Next year the IHSA Nationals will be held in Sunberry, OH at Edan Park equestrian facility, hosted by the University of Findlay. For further information on the CSI Equestrian Team, check out our website at www.csiequestrian.org.

By Charles Hudson 09/04/2003
To attempt to help relieve the continuing dependence on sponsors and the CSI Student Government for funds, the Team is presenting the First Annual Outdoor Adventures Expo, featuring a Gun Show and a Archery Shoot presented by D&B Supply.

The event will be held at the CSI Expo Center, from Friday the 12th until Sunday the 14th of September. Cost for general admission is $1.00, and children 12 and under will get in free. Members of the community are invited to attend. There will be vendors from the Magic Valley and surrounding areas. There will also be clinics going on throughout the event, presented by the CSI Outdoor Program.

The gun show will be held in the Expo Mezzanine (upstairs) Saturday and Sunday only.

If interested in reserving a booth, or other information, please contact Kamie Nuthak at 208.420.6099 or 208.733.5317. More information will be available here as the event unfolds.

By Charles Hudson 09/04/2003
Yet again last year, CSI finished another successful show year with a trip to IHSA Nationals in Murfreesboro, TN after placing 3rd at Zones in Costa Mesa, CA.

CSI had a somewhat disappointing show at Zones, but still had a berth to Nationals and prepared extra hard for the main event. CSI has been to every National show for the last several years, and held up it's reputation of being the only Junior College to attend, or at least be in the top ten.

The small team from Idaho took four team riders, Chris McCann, Katie Brunelle, Brenna Burris, and Hannah Bitzenburg. In addition, Charles Hudson placed 1st in Individual Advanced Western Horsemanship at Zones which qualified him for Nationals. Hannah was also the Regional High Point Western Rider and competed for the AQHA Trophy, where she finished Reserve Champion.

As always, the trip was both very fun but also very tiring. the excitement was added to when a tornado hit the Murfreesboro and the area the last night after competition, causing flooded roads and hail damage to rented vehicles. there was a rood awakening at 2 am when the fire alarm went off, but otherwise everything turned out ok and no one was delayed.

After it was all over, CSI took home the honor of being the 7th best Western team in the Nation. Not a bad honor for a little community college in Southern Idaho. The coaches are currently working on assembling and training a new team for this year in hopes that the challenge will again be risen to and this time they may fair even better.