Riding Wins at Amherst Show

AMHERST, Mass. – The Mount Holyoke College riding team continued its winning ways on Saturday afternoon, battling through cold and rain for a victory at the Amherst College Show, hosted at Biscuit Hill Farm. With the victory, the Lyons increased their regional lead to 20 points over UMass. Equestrian Team traveled to Biscuit Hill Farm today to compete in Amherst College's IHSA show.

The day began with some tricky draws in Open Fences where seniors Heather Zadra and Maura Zaldonis each received third place in their sections, sophomore Bridget Finnerty placed fifth, and first-year Mollie Kowalchik put in a good ride on her draw.

In Intermediate Fences, senior Claire Herlin won her section, qualifying her for Regionals, and first-year Maddy Skrak placed second while junior Genevieve Couldwell received third. Novice Fences followed, where first-year Emily Holowczak and senior Laura Von der Porten each placed second in their sections while sophomore Romy Faucher-Mayhew rode well for a fifth place finish. To round out the jumping, UConn alum and MHC's IEA coach Tara Mathews placed second in Alumni Fences.

Mathews began the flat phase for MHCEq, placing fifth on a tough horse. In Walk-Trot-Canter, first-year Brina Fox won her section, senior Kathleen Kelly was fourth, and senior Maneh Kotikian was fifth. Kelly's ride also qualified her for Regionals. Beginner Walk-Trot-Canter came next with junior Jordan Lassonde placing second and senior Katie Knutson sixth.

In Walk-Trot, junior Alexis Holliday received first place, first-year Illianna Termuehlen second, and first-year Poppy Cai sixth. Novice Flat came next where senior Emily Bessette won her section, Von der Porten placed second, and Holowczak and Faucher-Mayhew each receiving third place.

The Lyons dominated Intermediate Flat with seniors Jess Murray and Anne Waldo each winning their sections, Couldwell and sophomore Cam Carter placing second, and senior Maddi Shortt coming in third. To end the day, Zaldonis and senior Hannah Thornton each placed second in Open Flat, Zadra and senior Abby Raucher was third, and Finnerty in fourth.

With her two 3rd place rides, Couldwell was named Reserve Intermediate High Point Rider.

In addition, Emily Murch '14 represented Mount Holyoke College in Alumni Flat and Fences in Zone 5 Region 2, winning her flat class and placing third over fences.

The Lyons have a three-week break before the final show of the fall on November 22nd at the MHC Equestrian Center.

College results:

High Point College - Mount Holyoke College, 38 points

Reserve High Point College - University of Massachusetts Amherst, 36 points

3rd Place - Smith College, 30 points

4th Place - Westfield State University, 24 points

5th Place - Williams College and Amherst College, 21 points

6th Place - Springfield College, 13 points

Current region standings:

1st Place - Mount Holyoke College, 158

2nd Place - University of Massachusetts Amherst, 138

3rd Place - Smith College, 121