Riders Finish Season on a High Note

Author: Alison Hertel

The Middlebury equestrian team had a busy weekend. On Saturday 10 Middlebury riders traveled to the University of Vermont in cold, blustery conditions to take home a fourth place finish. Unstoppable UVM took the day, closely followed by a strong Dartmouth team and a fiercely competitive squad from Colby Sawyer.

Liz Rudnick '02 was the star of the day, winning both of her classes, Intermediate over Fences and Intermediate on the Flat, and qualifying for the ride off for high point rider. Though Rudnick did not win the ride-off, she was thrilled with her two blue ribbons at her final intercollegiate show. She said, "I was pleased with my riding. It felt good to end in such a positive way." Rudnick was not really finished, however. Her win on the flat qualified her to ride in Regionals the following day. Also qualifying for Regionals at UVM was Kathryn Hirsch '02.5 whose second place ribbon in Novice over Fences earned her enough points to compete on Sunday.

Almost all the Middlebury riders had banner days, making the show a fitting end to the season. Allison Nagel '03 placed third in her first Beginner Walk-Trot-Canter class, having just pointed up from Walk-Trot. Liz Beetem '02 was right behind Nagel in Beginner Walk-Trot-Canter, placing fourth. Open rider Sarah Berkowitz '05 placed second over fences. Max Theis '05 boasted his best ride of the season, bringing home a second place ribbon in Advanced Walk-Trot-Canter. Ellie Toan '02 rode extremely well, riding to a third place finish out of six riders in Walk-Trot. Said Toan, "I was glad to end my final season on a good note."

On Sunday, Hirsch, K.T. Mertes '04, Nagel and Rudnick traveled to Dartmouth to compete in Regionals. The weather was slightly warmer, but the competition was stiff, the jumping course difficult and the judge demanding. Hirsch and Mertes both competed in Novice Equitation over Fences and, despite strong rides, did not receive ribbons. They were pleased, however, having negotiated the difficult course well. Nagel had a breakthrough ride in Walk-Trot and placed third, just one place out of qualifying for Zones. Rudnick rode well in Intermediate on the Flat, but could not overcome the competition due to her tired horse and her sore body. Coach Kate Selby was pleased with her riders. At the end of the day, she said, "You all have something to be proud of."

The team finished up the season in fifth place as they have for the past several years. Upcoming captain Carrie McCalley '03 hopes to improve that placing next year.