Sports
12-Year-Old Equestrian From Old Bethpage Qualifies For Nationals
National Finals take place in April.
A 12-year-old equestrian from Old Bethpage has qualified to compete in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association National Finals.
Alyssa Baychuk, a seventh-grader at Mattlin Middle School, placed first and qualified for nationals during the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) Zone Finals on March 24. She also received the sportsmanship award at Zone Finals.
She rides for Farmstead Equestrian Team at Thomas School of Horsemanship in Melville.
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Two of Baychuk's teammates also qualified for nationals: Gina Diliberti, of Melville, and Isabella Schupler, of Dix Hills.
IEA National Finals take place in April.
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About 14,000 youth-equestrians take part in IEA, where they compete on unfamiliar tack on unfamiliar mounts. Horses are provided by the host barn and competitors draw their horses the day of competition.
Baychuk also competes in equestrian competitions across Long Island with her leased pony, Canoli (pictured above) alongside her trainer Caryn Yakacki. She recently started leasing a new pony, Quinn.
Top photo of Alyssa and Canoli. Credit: Sue Hampton-Auriemma
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