The College of Charleston equestrian team tightened its grasp on the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Zone 5 Region 3 standings with a pair of wins at two shows hosted by Lander this weekend.
The wins give the Cougars three first-place finishes in as many shows this season as Charleston remains undefeated in a year which has the Cougars defending a National Runner-up finish from a season ago.
On Saturday, the Cougars rode to a 15-point victory over Georgia Southern and Converse which tied for second place.
A handful of freshman riders made a strong debut in collegiate competition, pulling together an impressive string of victories on Saturday. The day began with first-place finishes by freshman Rio Parker in the Intermediate Fences and freshman Christina Hayden in the Novice Flat. Next, freshman Jackie Lundsted put another first place finish on the board in Advanced Walk Trot Canter followed by freshman Hannah Showell who finished first in the Intermediate Flat.
Senior Kate Kohl took home a first place finish in the Novice Flat and junior Jenna Terribile finished first in the Advanced Walk Trot Canter to secure the win on Saturday.
Sunday saw the Cougars duplicate their efforts en route to a 12-point victory on day two, stretching CofC’s regional lead to 45 points.
The day began with wins by sophomore Blaine Ferraro in the Open Fences and junior Victoria Bauer in the Intermediate Fences. Senior Eliza Hay began the flat phase with a win in the Open Flat. Next, Showell and Annie Kuniansky claimed first in their respective divisions of the Intermediate Flat.
Senior Olivia Coco and junior Rachel Hyland each took first place in their respective divisions of the Novice Flat, and freshman Madison King took first place in her collegiate debut in the Advanced Walk Trot Canter. Sophomore Julie Barton also claimed first place in the Advanced Walk Trot Canter. Junior Taylor Bibbiani made her collegiate debut and finished the day wAith a win in the Beginning Walk Trot Canter.
The Cougars break from competition until Nov. 15 when they play host to the final show of the fall at Storybook Farms.
