Equestrian Team Makes Leap Ahead

Author: Alison Hertel

Seven members of the Middlebury equestrian team traveled to Durham, Maine, to compete in the Bates/Bowdoin Intercollegiate Horse Show at the Chez Chevaux Equestrian Center on March 2, placing sixth out of a competitive field of nine schools, just three points behind Dartmouth College. The perennial powerhouses, Colby-Sawyer College and the University of Vermont topped the field as champion and reserve champion respectively.

The Middlebury team rode well, but had some tough draws over fences. The highlight of the fences portion of the show was Katherine Mertes' '04 ride in her novice over fences class. Mertes placed second, earning enough points to qualify her for regional competition. Carrie McCalley '03 rode in her first show of the year, after returning from a semester away and placed fifth in her intermediate over fences class. McCalley qualified for the intermediate division last spring and is still adjusting to the change.

On the flat Middlebury boasted strong rides. Mertes drew an excellent horse and was second in her novice on the flat class. The highlight of the afternoon, however, was Allison Nagel's '03 win in her walk-trot class. Nagel returned to the team after a semester abroad in Florence and has already has made a significant contribution. Nagel said, "It was a great way to start the season. It put me in an excellent position to point up and participate in Regionals." Ellie Toan '02 also had a strong showing in her walk-trot class, placing third on a difficult horse. Liz Beetem '02 rode to a fourth place ribbon in beginner walk-trot-canter in her first show with the team.

This weekend Middlebury is hosting a show at The Equestry in New Haven. With the home barn advantage and a strong group of nine riders, Middlebury hopes to improve upon last weekend's finish. McCalley said, "We're going to use our experience from last weekend to our advantage. We've had a lot of spirit in team practice this week, and we're hoping that that will carry over through the weekend." The equestrians would like to bring up their overall standing in the region and finish higher than their usual fifth.