Riders Travel to Syracuse for Nationals

The team is one of the top 18 of 750 teams in the country. In addition to the team qualifying for Nationals, Chandler Runnells '19 qualified as an individual in Open Fences with her second-place finish at both Bi-Regional and Zone Finals. In Syracuse, Runnells kicked off the competition at Nationals, being the first rider in the ring on the first day of competition.  Despite a tough draw in her first round, she recovered incredibly well and came back to have a beautiful ride on a second horse. Though she finished out of the final ribbons, she showed poise and strong riding on two horses, to the approval of her coaches, and as a reflection of her drive in training over the past months.

Saturday was the team jumping rounds, and Runnells started the team off on a strong footing with an excellent ride. Caroline Hawthorne ’19 rode next in Intermediate Fences, she rode her first horse well, despite it being spooked by a spectator, and was granted a second ride. Isabella Hubbard ’19 was up next in Novice Fences to finish out Saturday’s competition. Despite a strong trip, she finished the class out of the ribbons as well.

The last day of competition was reserved for the flat, with two sections of flat for each division, the top eight riders of each being called back for the finals in the afternoon. Both Hawthorne and Runnells rode Rex from Morrisville College, and had excellent rides amidst competitive groups, and, unfortunately, missed the callbacks. Hubbard rode next and earned a callback for the afternoon rides, where she earned a seventh place in a competitive class. Susie Wu '18 had a beautiful trip in the Walk Trot Canter division, but, unfortunately, missed the afternoon callbacks as well.

Throughout the weekend the team showed incredible poise and grit. The riders performed well and adapted quickly to the horses they were given. In addition to the four riders, Hailey Johnson ’19 also traveled with the team to Syracuse as Zone 3's member of the IEA Youth Board. She worked all weekend diligently and was awarded the Volunteer of the Show award at the end of Sunday. Overall, the weekend was a success, giving each rider something to be proud of and something to work on for next year.