Oilers Win Home Show
On Saturday, January 28th, 2017, the University of Findlay English IHSA Hunt Seat team hosted 13 other colleges and universities at their first home competition of the spring season. The Oilers came away with a victory in the event after accumulating 39 points.
The Oilers started the day with four of eight top placings in the Open Equitation Over Fences; junior, Melanie McCaffrey took home top honors and the blue ribbon, senior Elle Brady followed in the second spot, junior Marco Polo Uchoa was 5th, and freshmen Emma Price rounded out the top six.
The Intermediate Equitation Over Fences division saw Oiler riders take home four top six placings. Senior, Courtney O'Connor had a strong ride and walked away in 3rd. O'Connor was followed by sophomore Coleton Cook in 4th. Senior Alexa Murray and junior Katie Holt, both walked away with 5th place finishes, in what was and always is a competitive Intermediate Over Fences division.
The always competitive Novice Equitation Over Fences division saw both senior Emma Wood and freshmen, Mackenzie Barnes walk away with blue ribbons. Freshmen Breanna Hertz also continued her streak of top three placings, finishing in 3rd.
After fences was over the Oilers headed into the afternoon flat portion of the day tied with Lake Erie, with 11 points.
The afternoon started with the Open Equitation on the Flat division, sophomore Alyssa Simin walked away with 1st place and the blue ribbon, senior Courtney O'Connor followed behind in 2nd, as did Marco Polo Uchoa, Elle Brady was 3rd, and Emma price rounded up the Top 5.
The Intermediate Equitation on the Flat has become easily one of, if not the most competitive division of the show this season. The Oilers walked away with three blue ribbons, junior Peter Patch, senior Alexa Murray, and junior Katie Holt all walked away in 1st place. Junior Melanie McCaffrey finished 4th, freshmen Haley Hammond followed in 5th, and junior Chloe Johnson rounded out the Top 6.
The Novice Equitation on the Flat division saw both freshmen, Breanna Hertz and sophomore, Elizabeth Lengling take home 5th.
In Advanced Walk/Trot/Canter Equitation, sophomore, Jessie Hood rode her way to a well-deserved 1st place finish. Freshmen Samantha Matatall finished 5th and sophomore Hannah Tiso finished 6th.
Last, but by no means least, was the ever deciding Walk/Trot Equitation class. Typically the Walk/Trot class can be the difference between a team winning or not. Oiler rider Abigail Hope was the first to enter the ring, and held that spot all class, ultimately walking away with 1st place honors, the blue ribbon and seven team points to secure an Oilers win!
The Oilers would like to congratulate four more Regional Qualifiers, who will represent the University of Findlay at Regionals on March 11th at Lake Erie College.
Courtney O'Connor, Intermediate Equitation Over Fences
Peter Patch, Intermediate on the Flat
Jessie Hood, Walk/Trot/Canter Equitation
Abigail Hope, Walk/Trot Equitation