Tualatin High School Equestrian Team OHSET

Have you ever wondered how horses learn? Why they behave in a certain way? How you can better connect with them? Positive Reinforcement Trainer and Behaviorist Shawna Karrasch has the answers!

Positive Reinforcement Training creates happy, polite, confident horses for days around the barn, on the trail, in the ring, as well as in competition. Equestrians in all disciplines can gain the advantage of partners that enjoy and understand their work, offering their best efforts willingly, from goals with groundwork to goals under saddle. This work not only results in a more pleasant and rewarding experience and builds more heart, it's fun!

Positive Reinforcement Training is easy and enjoyable for the animal, but it's not magic nor is it always simple. Just like traditional training, using positive training and prioritizing positive methods requires education, patience, discipline, and practice. But to experience the joy of participating with an enthusiastic equine partner makes this journey so worthwhile. Our horses are worth the effort!

Learn more at symposium.ayhc.com/

Buy a beautiful handmade holiday wreath from our team for only $20/wreath. We’ll be delivering them after November 20th, so order now. 🎄

I so wish I could get the whole team together in front of our team trophy for 2020! Annie offered to pose with it instead. 🐶 Way to go Tualatin! It’s been a rough year, but your moment to shine was enough! Thanks to Amy Wheatcroft for being an amazing support as our advisor, Murray Smith for handling all our bookkeeping, and to Torry Brooks for giving up her time to work with our IHOR team. We look forward with hope to 2021 OHSET season.

I’ve put off posting about our graduating seniors, because I’ve been in denial that this season really passed us by without more than one district meet to celebrate, no senior ceremony to honor these athletes, to cry and lament the fact that they are leaving, to celebrate the fact that they are moving on to the next chapter of life.
I’m excited to see what these two do next, and will miss them both for so many reasons. Melany has been a breath of fresh air with her humor, wit, and huge smile. We wish we could have had you all four years. Don’t ever let your fear and shyness stop you from doing anything ever again. Emma, you have been a driving force on our team, inspiring others to work, to practice, to push themselves. You carried this trying year with grace, sportsmanship, and true leadership. I will miss you both on our team, but keep you in my life always as a friend. Congratulations!

Our first meet of the 2020 OHSET season is in the books! Not only did we have some amazing rides by everyone on the team, these athletes showed sportsmanship, strength, friendship, and grit.
Our team earned a second in hunt seat, 3rd and 5th in saddle seat, 2nd and 3rd in working rancher, 3rd in sorting, 1st in reining, 2nd in western horsemanship, and 1st in dressage. These are some hard working riders! Not to mention our wonderful groom who carried us through the long weekend with her wit, care, and humor. @ Yamhill County Fair & Event Center

First day, of our first meet, and first place in Trail for Taya! The rest of our team had a great day as well with a second in IHOR and top 5 in showmanship, and in-hand trail. We are all cheering you on for day two tomorrow!!! Go Tualatin OHSET!!! @ Yamhill County Fair & Event Center

Everyone who competes in equestrian activities knows how important our grooms are: From holding horses for potty breaks, shining shoes before a competitor enters an arena, talking nerves down before a class, to video taping their performance-a groom’s job is an important one! Meet Melaney, our groom extraordinaire! We could not have asked for a better person to support us all through our competitions this season. Melaney, in advance, we all thank you!

Thank you to Molalla OHSET team for including us in their Bobby Blamer cow clinic yesterday. Taya and Emma had a great time and appreciated the practice with you all! @ Lazy Dog Ranch

Meet Avery, our newest team member! We are happy to bring in her warm smile and fun personality as a great addition to our group. She’s also bringing in two rather large equines to our lineup to show off her English skills. When she’s not riding with her mom, she’s kicking soccer balls, burning up her energy at Crossfit, and cooking meals for her family. The team is excited to cheer you on for our first meet next month!

Introducing Jocelyn (aka Jojo)! This is her third season in OHSET and she’s working hard for a second year at State. Her work ethic and determination have brought her a long way, and she’s always willing to try new fun things. When she’s not training with her cute equine partner Ben, she’s either playing the violin and piano in advanced orchestra, or making things. She’s a DIYer, organizing and building things like goat stalls, fences, and her own saddle rack she takes to horse shows. We’ll all be rooting for you this year!