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LEXINGTON, Ky. - The Mount Holyoke College riding team opened action at the 2016 IHSA National Championships on Thursday at the Kentucky Horse Park. After the first classes of the championships, the Lyons sit 11th overall with several strong rides on the day.
Sophomore Anna Rzchowski (Madison, Wisc./West) got things going in Collegiate Cup Novice Equitation Over Fences, finishing just outside the ribbons. She earned honorable mention in the event in a very tough field.
Senior Genevieve Couldwell (Salt Lake City, Utah/Rowland Hall St. Marks) then powered her way to fourth overall with an outstanding ride in Individual Intermediate Equitation on the Flat. It was her second solid ride in as many competitions, having won the Individual Intermediate Flat title at the 2016 Zone Championships.
Sophomore Mika McKinney (Montville, Maine/Belfast Area) grabbed the Lyons their first ribbon of the day, finishing fifth overall in Collegiate Cup Novice Equitation on the Flat. It was another solid effort for McKinney, who was third in team novice flat at the Zone Championships.
Next up was senior Callie Schultz (Ann Arbor, Mich./Rudolf Steiner), who grabbed a ribbon of her own. Schultz, who earned reserve champion honors at Zones, competed in Individual Walk-Trot-Canter Equitation on the Flat on Thursday, finishing fifth overall.
Rounding out the day was the Collegiate Cup Intermediate Equitation on the Flat. Representing the Lyons was sophomore Mollie Kowalchik (Loveland, Ohio/Loveland), who powered her way to the ribbon awards with a 10th place finish.
The Lyons are right back in action on Friday beginning at 8am. Fans can follow the Lyons all week at Nationals via live video at http://eqsports.net/. Note that the link does ask viewers to sign in, but it is a free service. Live results are also available HERE.
Photo above of Callie Schultz competing in Intermediate Walk-Trot-Canter Equitation on the Flat on Thursday, May 5th, 2016 courtesy of MHC head coach CJ Law.
