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The ��Ӱֱ�� State College Western Equestrian Club Team won the grand championship at its first Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) show of the 2011 season (Oct. 22). The newly formed team tied with Cornell for top honors in the intercollegiate riding event held at ��Ӱֱ�� University’s Bromley-Daggett Equestrian Center.

“All things considered, the team’s performance was remarkable,” said head Western Coach Marie Dougherty. “These kids went up against some serious varsity riders from some well-established programs like Cornell and ��Ӱֱ�� (University) and RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology). And they walked away with a Grand Champion Ribbon in their first intercollegiate show. As a club team, we have only been training together for four weeks, but they rode like old pros. They have worked very hard and have come a long way in a very short time.”

The newly constituted ��Ӱֱ�� State College team was recently formed as a “club” team under the direction of Vicki Bolton, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor, and Jessica Hutchison, lecturer, both in the Department of Agriculture and Veterinary Technology. Long-time West Almond trainer and equestrian rider Marie Dougherty was tapped as Western Coach to ready the 17-member team for a the eight-show season (Oct. 22, 2011-March 3, 2012). The team trains at Hurdale Farm equestrian center owned by Peggie Blamire and Marie Dougherty in West Almond. Also helping with the team is Christina Brokaw, Arkport.

According to Bolton, “There is a lot of buzz on campus about the program. Team members are sporting sharp new ‘Equestrian Team’ jackets and the winning ribbons are displayed for all to see. We are located in the heart of horse country here in western New York and there has always been a lot interest in riding here at the College. Having a truly competitive program here will only fuel the fire. Our Equestrian Club is currently at 55 members and growing by the day. Best of all we are organized for students to get involved at all levels of riding skill and interest.”

��Ӱֱ�� State College competes in association with the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) with some 8,300 students representing 370 colleges and universities. IHSA participation stresses learning, sportsmanship, and fun and encourages student show participation at all levels of riding skill.

For more information on the ��Ӱֱ�� State Collage Equestrian program contact Bolton via e-mail at boltonvl@alfredstate.edu.

Individual team member placings for the first two shows were as follows:

Open Reining

• Justine Burnett, Almond, veterinary technology, 4^th and 4^th

Open Horsemanship

• Justine Burnett, 1^st and 3^rd

Advanced Horsemanship

• Laura D’Amico, Clifton Springs, veterinary technology, 2^nd and 3^rd

Novice Horsemanship

• Shelby Hosmer, Avoca, individual studies, 1^st and 2^nd 
• Jennifer Schoepfel, Spencerport, veterinary technology, 1^st and 1^st

Intermediate Horsemanship 2

• Gina Lirussi, Glenwood Center, veterinary technology, 1^st and 4^th 
• Tesla Rich, Dryden, veterinary technology, 7^th and 5^th 
• Lauren Ritz, Jeffersonville, veterinary technology, 9^th
• Mariah Schaus, Arcade, veterinary technology, 6^th and 9^th
• Tomas D’Angelo, Centereach, automotive service technician, 7^th and 7^th

Intermediate Horsemanship 1

• Kelsey Arrison, Lansing, veterinary technology, 8^th and 6^th
• Mana Okudaira, Tokyo, Japan, veterinary technology, 3^rd and 2^nd
• Joan Korey, Hyde Park, interior design, 5^th

Beginner Horsemanship

• Casey Edwards, Almond, nursing, 1^st and 5^th
• Olivia Stevens, East Hampton, agricultural business, 5^th and 4^th
• Rachel Norris, Arkport, nursing, 1^st and 3^rd