The women’s equestrian team hosted two shows last weekend at Rolelu Stables in Geneseo, placing fourth and then third behind nationally ranked St. Lawrence University, Cazenovia College and SUNY Potsdam.
On Saturday, senior Katie Crawford and junior Katie Roberts led the Knights, each earning first place in open flat. On Sunday, the Knights finished third, just one point shy of second place. Three riders earned first place ribbons: senior Ashley Kresge took novice flat, junior Caroline Patton succeeded in beginner walk/trot/canter and sophomore Katie Makoweic performed and won the advanced walk/trot/canter division for the first time.
Head coach Kim Sanford said she was happy with the results. She emphasized that placing behind St. Lawrence and Cazenovia was a great accomplishment. Sanford noted that some riders who won their classes defeated previous national contestants from St. Lawrence and Cazenovia.
“We have a really strong program,” Sanford said. “We have really strong riders, in terms of athleticism and personality. They are so dedicated and work very hard.”
Sanford said that the Knights are “substantial in [their] region” since they are able to hold two of the eight shows for the season. This year, only three colleges were given the opportunity to host. Sanford said that not many people in the college community understand how talented the equestrian team really is. When the team travels, the other teams know Geneseo by name.
Missing from the lineup was junior Holly Schimpf, who fell off of a mare earlier in the season. Sanford said that during practice, the mare tripped and Schimpf chipped a bone in her back. Sanford said she is hoping for a fast recovery since Schimpf is a talented point rider. Junior open rider Julianne Pangal commended Schimpf, stating, “She’s being really supportive. She still comes to the shows and helps out.”
In the second half of the season, Sanford said that she would like to see the Knights become stronger individual riders, mentor the freshmen, gain recognition in the college community and, of course, continue their stellar performances against the tough competition.
Pangal pointed out that a few riders have already qualified for nationals by earning at least 35 points in the past four shows. This already surpasses the number from last year, when Roberts was the only qualifier. Roberts went on to earn third in the open flat event at the national level.
The Knights have four regular season shows left before the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association regionals and nationals. The team competes again this weekend, traveling to St. Lawrence and Cazenovia on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.