Oklahoma State University Athletics
Marissa Dalton Earns Top Honor At VENC
April 16, 2011 | Cowgirl Equestrian
April 16, 2011
Marissa Dalton Wins Horsemanship MVP at VENC
WACO, Texas -- Oklahoma State equestrian member Marissa Dalton was named the Most Valuable Performer in the Horsemanship category for her achievements at the Varsity Equestrian National Championships today.
Dalton was chosen out of the top 48 collegiate horsemanship riders in the country as the top performer in the discipline, determined by the American Quarter Horse Association carded judge.
"I am extremely honored to receive this award from the American Quarter Horse Association," Dalton said. "It is a big accomplishment for me because this is the top individual award given in Horsemanship at the Varsity Equestrian National Championships."
The sophomore from Kidron, Ohio rode her way to a spotless 3-0 record on the week, including a team-high 156.5-144 head-to-head victory over her South Carolina counterpart in the final matchup for the Cowgirls. Dalton earned a score of at least 150 points in each of her three rides this week.
Dalton picked up five head-to-head wins in the regular season and added another in the opening round of the Big 12 Championships.
Mr. Solanos Kid Wins Top Horse Award
Oklahoma State's own Mr. Solanos Kid earned the Top Horse Award in Reining presented by Purina Mills as well as the Championship Horse Award in Reining presented by the National Reining Horse Association as awarded by the judge. The Top Horse Award was voted on by the coaches of each school represented in the competition.
Mr. Solanos Kid was donated to the Oklahoma State program by Rick, Rosie and Taylor New. In addition to the awards he also received an NRHA Lawson bronze and a year supply of feed courtesy of Purina Mills.
