Equestiran Wraps Up Opening Weekend
On Sunday, October 16th, the University of Findlay English IHSA team looked to build on their first day of competition at Stonegate Farm, in Coolville, OH at their second show of the fall season hosted by Thiel College.
The equitation over fences classes saw a number of beautiful trips put in by all students. Some highlights include the Open Equitation Over Fences, which saw junior Marco Polo Uchoa in the 3rd position for the second day in a row. Also in the Open Equitation Over Fences, Uxue Viguria finished 4th and Emma Price 6th.
Intermediate O/F
The Intermediate Equitation Over Fences division included some outstanding results from first year team members, as well as regional qualifiers who had only pointed up from Novice the previous day. Results include, a win by sophomore Emma Sturtecky, a 2nd place finish for junior Melanie McCaffrey in her first trip in the division, a 4th place finish for senior Courtney O'Connor, and a 6th place finish for senior Alexa Murray who also competed in her first Intermediate class.
The always competitive Novice Equitation Over Fences division saw the Oiler squad round up the top six, Emma Wood took home first place and the blue ribbon, freshman Siobhan Hardiman was 2nd in her first collegiate competition, freshman Breanna Hertz was 3rd, senior Theresa Shattan took the 4th spot, sophomore Sydney Stern was 5th, and rounding out the top six was freshman Kaylyn Cole.
Going into the afternoon, and the flat portion of the day, the Oilers looked to make up some ground with their overall team points.
In the Open Equitation on the Fla, junior Marco Polo Uchoa took home the top prize in what is one of the most competitive classes of the show. Senior JoHanna Proefrock followed directly behind in 2nd, and senior Elle Brady also put in a great ride to finish up in 4th.
The Intermediate Equitation on the Flat had seven Oiler riders out of the field of twelve. Sophomore Alyssa Simins took home top prize, Emma Wood finished 3rd, Peter Patch was in the 4th place spot, and in her first Intermediate class Alexa Murray took home 5th.
Arguably the most competitive division of the day, Oiler riders stepped up to the challenge in the Novice Equitation on the Flat division. Junior Leslie Turner rode to a deserving 1st place finish, as did senior Theresa Shattan who also took home top prize in her class. Right behind them and rounding out the top five included a 2nd place finish from freshman Kaylyn Cole, a 3rd place finish from Sydney Stern, freshman Breanna Hertz finished up 4th, as did sophomore Coleton Cook, and in her first Novice appearance after pointing up the previous day Lizzie Lengling rounded out the top five.
The Oiler's didn't stop there. Findlay Advanced Walk/Trot/Canter Equitation, Beginner Walk/Trot/Canter Equitation, and Walk/Trot riders all put their A-games on and finished one, two. Brianna Hallman took the win in the Advanced Walk/Trot/Canter division, with Jessie Hood right behind in 2nd. Parker Nash took home the top prize in the Beginner Walk/Trot/Canter division, and Walk/Trot rider Abby Hope left the arena with another blue ribbon and another 7 points on the board for the University of Findlay.
When all was said and done and the final horse left the arena, the University of Findlay was named Highpoint team with 36 overall team points, as well as a special honor of Overall Highpoint team for the entire weekend, based upon their win the previous day with 33 team points. Senior Emma Wood also took home Reserve Highpoint Rider honors with her 1st and 3rd place finishes for the day. The team also had two Regional qualifiers, including Emma Wood (Intermediate Equitation on the Flat) and Alyssa Simins (Intermediate Equitation on the Flat).