Two dressage riders from St. Andrews Presbyterian College have qualified for the Intercollegiate Dressage Association finals in Findlay, Ohio, on April 18-19.

Greta Friesen, a senior from Honaunau, Hawaii, and Lauren Parker, a freshman from Mt. Airy, qualified by scoring enough points during regional competition this season.

"They have been riding five and six times a week in preparation for the nationals," said Jackie Dwelle, coach of the St. Andrews Dressage Team. "It's great that they qualified in the most competitive region in the country. To have accomplished this is awesome."

Friesen won her region's division, taking first place in the first level. Parker was reserve champion in the Intro division for the region.

Going into the season, Friesen initially did not intend to compete, but changed her mind at the urging of other riders. She expressed excitement about competing at the nationals.

Parker is also looking forward to the national finals.

"My first couple of shows, I didn't do too well. I didn't place," she said. "The third show I got a first; the second show, a fourth; and then sixth place. I started placing and getting into the ribbons and moved up after I got the feel of it."

Competitors qualified for the nationals from nine regions. The IDA is the national organization for introducing students to the discipline of dressage and offering student competitions and educational opportunities.