Saddling up for a good cause

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Pictured, from left: Malibu High School equestrian team members Bridget Helm, Leah LaMasney, Sasha Kaplan, team captain Emma Blackwood, Gabby Jennett and Callie Clunies-Ross.

The Malibu High School equestrian team recently ended its 2008-09 season ranked eleventh out of 78 schools, making it the most successful season in school history.

The team competes in the Interscholastic Equestrian League against teams from 78 schools in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, and the season consists of four horse shows held during the school year. Riders compete in one of four divisions ranging from novice to varsity, depending on the height of the jumps.

The MHS equestrian team earlier this month held a Hunter Equitation Horse Show (with Trancas Riders & Ropers) to raise funds for the Compton Jr. Posse, an intercity youth equestrian program, after learning that the Posse was interested in starting their own IEL team to compete for riding opportunities at colleges nationwide. The funds will be presented to Compton Jr. Posse by the MHS team and Trancas Riders & Ropers at their fundraiser at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center on May 30.