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Team Chemistry Drives Equestrian

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The equestrian team is off to a strong start this season, building some momentum that it hopes to carry through to Regionals in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., on March 28.
Much of this momentum was built when the Red finally got over the hump of beating Skidmore. The win reversed what had been a one-sided rivalry for over a year — a trend the team aims to continue over the course of the next several months.
“Our goal is, and always has been, to win Regions,” said head coach Chris Mitchell. “[Skidmore] has been the Regional champion for the last eight years, but it is time for a change.”
In comparing this year’s team to last year’s, Mitchell describes his current squad as being “way more cohesive … the chemistry is probably one of the best teams I’ve had of recent.”

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Equestrian Places Third in Controversial Finish

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The equestrian team’s show at Skidmore this past weekend was not without controversy, as it placed a disputed third out of thirteen teams, behind the host team (47) and Morrisville (38). The Red managed 36 points and was followed in the standings by Colgate (34), Hobart (28), Hartwick and Hamilton (26), Binghamton (25), Cobleskill (24), Siena (23), Anent (19), Ithaca (18), Elmira (14) and Albany (10).
“I’m disappointed, I think the girls rode great,” said head coach Chris Mitchell. “I think at the end of the day the judging was a little bizarre, and it is a sport that you are being judged on.” Cornell opened the day with senior tri-captains Dana Kendrick and Caroline Shulman placing second and fourth, respectively, in Open Fences.

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Strong Second Day Helps Red Over Skidmore

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The equestrian team was hitting on all cylinders this past weekend, as it beat rival Skidmore to claim victory in the latter portion of Morrisville’s two-day show. The Red started the weekend by scoring 34 points on Saturday, which put the team in third place behind Skidmore (46) and Morrisville (39). However, the riders came back in dominating fashion on Sunday to beat their rivals to the east by five points and secure their first win of the season.
“We had a wonderful day,” said head coach Chris Mitchell, “Everybody rode so well, it was just a good day all-around.”

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Equestrian Hosts Show, Takes Third

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The equestrian team put forth a solid effort this past weekend, as it played host to the Cornell Show on Sunday afternoon. The Red managed 37 points, which placed them third behind Skidmore (47) and Colgate (40). Rounding out the standings were Hartwick (31), Morrisville (19), Hamilton (16), Elmira (13), Albany (11) and RPI (6).
“I’m very proud of the girls,” said head coach Chris Mitchell. “It’s very hard to run a horse show and participate in it as well, since we do all the work.”

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Equestrian Kicks Off Season With Second-Place Finish At Hartwick Fall Show

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The equestrian team kicked off its season this past weekend at the Hartwick Fall Show, finishing second behind Skidmore. The show, held in Oneonta, N.Y., featured riders from 15 schools in the region, including Colgate, Binghamton, Elmira, Albany, RPI and Ithaca.
The Red’s second-place finish was fueled by contributions across the board. Cornell started the day competing in open fences and scored major points with senior Jess Bemis winning her section.
In the other fence classes — intermediate and novice — Cornell scored enough points to put the squad in first at the midway point of the show. Georgina Melbye rode to second in intermediate fences and sophomore Kelsey Craig won the blue ribbon in novice fences.

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Show Me State

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My lone assumption going into the Cornell Horse Show at the Oxley Equestrian Center on Sunday was that the show would be outdoors. In my imagination the show took place on a spacious, sunlit course presumably made of grass. In reality, however, the show took place in a claustrophobic indoor course, lit by buzzing fluorescent lights, in desperate need of ventilation. “It would be a disaster if it were outdoors,” scoffed Katie Allero (as we’ll call her), a senior rider for Colgate, when I asked her if this venue is considered normal. Perhaps I deserved to get scoffed at. My knowledge of horses is limited to Seabiscuit and repressed childhood memories of Black Beauty; maybe I shouldn’t have been pressing my assumptions on an experienced collegiate rider.