Another Intercollegiate Eventing Team Challenge has come and gone at Chatt Hills, and many college teams were out competing in what has become a steady favorite event for these young riders. UGA Eventing Vice-President Kaitlyn Ruff sent in this great recap from the weekend's festivities.
UGA's Kelly Boltz and Kat Got Your Luck. Photo courtesy of UGA Eventing.
Over the past two years, college eventing has experienced rapid growth. More and more colleges are forming eventing teams each year. The USEA has recognized college eventing and is offering a Collegiate Program Membership for the 2015 season. Intercollegiate Team Challenges continue to grow in both number of college riders who participate and spectators present each semester. It is an exciting time to be a college eventer!
Recently, Chattahoochee Hills located in Fairburn, Georgia hosted their third Intercollegiate Team Challenge alongside their October Horse Trial. The University of Georgia, Auburn University, The University of Alabama, Clemson University, The University of North Georgia, and Columbus State University all sent riders to compete.
First place team, the UGA Silver Team. Photo courtesy of UGA Eventing.
College spirit was abundant during the weekend. Flags and banners displaying team logos and school colors could be seen blowing in the wind throughout the show-grounds. Dozens of spectators in red and black, orange and blue, and crimson red could be seen cheering for their favorite college. Horses and riders were decked out in their school colors, as they rocked around the cross-country course.
The weekend was a great opportunity for college eventers of the southeast to mix and mingle. Auburn University handed out bouquets of carrots to members of other college teams Saturday afternoon. Supportive words were exchanged between members of all teams throughout the weekend. Everyone present was clearly passionate about seeing college eventing, as a whole, continue to grow and experience success.
Libby Head and Voulez-Vous. Photo courtesy of UGA Eventing.
Chattahoochee Hills also provided college riders with the opportunity to test their skills on some tough courses at a world-class facility. The cross-country course at each level was maxed out and provided difficult questions for horse and rider. Show jumping was twisty and required optimum control. Despite these challenges, college riders were in the top placing of all divisions.
The weekend concluded with a special college eventing awards ceremony. The top six college teams were awarded ribbons, as well as the top six individual college riders. The weekend was a huge success. The scores of the college teams were very competitive, and riders from each school had many beautiful, flawless rides.
Go Collegeiate Eventing!
Final College Team Placings:
1st Place – UGA Silver Team
Emily Cox
Bailey Fabricius
Emma Watson
Kelly Boltz
2nd Place – UGA Red Team
Kaitlyn Ruff
Shelby Allen
Jorja Miller
Jamie Yale
3rd Place – University of Alabama Event Team
Caitlin Cobb
Angela Lenning
Meagan Majchszak
Julie Ruehl
4th Place – Columbus State University/University of North Georgia Event Team
Maggie Baker
Josephine Draper
Cady Solomon
Katie Harviel
5th Place – Clemson University Purple Team
Haley Doyle
Anna Fogerty
Samantha Hay
Sarah Pyne
6th Place – Auburn Event Team
Betsy Kaywood
Lydia Kennedy
Claire Robinson
Lucia Menozi
7th Place – UGA Black Team
Whitney Granberry
Libby Head
Sydney Lanier
Alex Pistocco
8th Place – Clemson University/Auburn Orange Team
Kaitlyn Bardos
Erica Wind
Bailey Lester
Andrea Glazer
Top Individual College Riders:
1st Place – Sarah Pyne of Clemson University
2nd Place – Shelby Allen of The University of Georgia
3rd Place – Anna Fogerty of Clemson University
4th Place – Kelly Boltz of The University of Georgia
5th Place – Emma Watson of The University of Georgia
6th Place – Andrea Glazer of Auburn University
