The indoor arena at the Mount Holyoke Equestrian Center was full of spirit and pride on March 6 as the Mount Holyoke riding team galloped ahead of other colleges to win the High Point Championship at the Horse Show with 47 points.
The University of Massachusetts, which is considered Mount Holyoke’s toughest competitor, followed fifteen points behind as Reserve High Point Champions. “Our usual rivals UMass were there, and actually did not look as strong as they have all season,” said Lindsay Sceats ’11, team captain. “We beat them by over ten points, which I believe is our largest win margin this season.”
The other colleges out of the total thirteen were Amherst, Smith, Becker, Assumption, Williams, Springfield, Hampshire, Westfield State, Clark, Landmark and College of the Holy Cross.
Sceats was named High Point Rider for her first place wins in Open Flat and Open Fences and JoJo Gutfarb ’11 won Reserve High Point Rider for her first place in Open Fences and second in Open Flat. Stephanie Tagliatela ’10 was Reserve High Point Rider.
Caitlin Dickinson ’10, who won first place in Novice Flat in her last home competition at Mount Holyoke, felt the show was one of her favorites. “I have never seen the team be quite so efficient at hosting,” said Dickinson. “It takes an incredible amount of time and effort to put on a horse show, and to be able to come out of it with 17 blue ribbons and many other impressive rides is quite an accomplishment.”
The arena was packed full of encouraging families, students, friends and alumnae, which increased the confidence and determination of all the riders. “What felt the best, though, was the support we received from all the other athletic teams as well as alumnae that came to cheer us on,” said Dickinson.
Margaret Swanson ’12, who was named High Point Intermediate Rider from her first place win in Intermediate Fences and third in Intermediate Flat, seemed to agree with Dickinson. “Our horses were fantastic, everyone who showed did an amazing job, and everyone who was doing backstage work was phenomenal!” said Swanson, who sustained a back injury over winter break but has now recovered.
Despite the nerves and tension that arise in riders when they first enter the ring, team support can drive those fears away. “It’s a great feeling to know that when you are in the ring, when your course is over or flat class done, about 45 people are ready to cheer for you when your name is announced no matter what your placing may be,” said Swanson.
Although winning a title is a great honor, it is important to enjoy riding for the fun of it. “My favorite part about being in the show is having fun,” said Swanson. “I really enjoy riding, and to be able to go out and represent my team and school doing something I love is the greatest!”
Mount Holyoke is now almost thirty points ahead of other colleges as they close up the regional shows competition. The Mount Holyoke Riding team will next compete at Hadley Farms on Saturday, March 27, before moving on to the Zone and National competitions.
Related posts:
- Riding named High Point Champions at Horse Show
- Riding earns High Point honors
- Mount Holyoke riders win home show
- Riding team bound for Nationals in Kentucky
- Mount Holyoke riding takes all at Amherst
