COLUMBUS, Ohio (Dec. 8, 2012) – The Mount Holyoke College equestrian team concluded the fall portion of its season on Saturday, competing at the Holiday Tournament of Champions, hosted by Otterbein University. The Lyons saw nine riders compete against some of the nation's best, led by second-place finishes from sophomore Callie Calder and junior Eleanor Maynard.
MHC took to the road on Friday at 2:30am, driving first to Boston, before flying to Cleveland. The Lyons then took a trip by van up to Columbus before reaching their destination.
On Saturday, junior Lexie Lohrer started MHCeQ off in open fences, putting in a very good ride on an active horse. Maynard then placed second in intermediate fences with a stunning trip. Next up was sophomore Hannah Thornton in open flat, who rode beautifully despite her mount being very strong at the canter.
Sophomore Madeline Shortt received eighth for her ride in novice flat, while classmate Abby Raucher put in a solid ride on a difficult draw in intermediate flat. In walk trot, Calder placed second in her tournament debut! Next, sophomore Samantha Stone strutted her stuff to a third-place finish in walk trot canter.
In the final class of the team competition, sophomore Jessica Murray received fifth in her novice fences class. Mount Holyoke ended strong with both of our medal riders, Lohrer and senior Allison O'Neill, advancing out of the flat portion and into the fences phase. O'Neill ended up in eighth and Lohrer tenth.
