IHSA team starts new season, new region as high-point team champion

Sweet Briar’s Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association team began its season on a high note. Riding for the first time in Zone 4, Region 4, Sweet Briar riders were high-point team champions at Stillmeadows Farm in a competition hosted by Virginia Commonwealth University on Saturday, Sept. 23.

The day started off successfully when Makayla Benjamin ’18 won the open flat and Aoife Magner ’19 placed third. The duo then competed in open fences, where Magner came in third and Benjamin placed fifth. Next in the ring was Jules Sudol ’18, competing in her first IHSA show. Sudol proved that she meant business and won the intermediate flat class. Courtney Barry ’18 then rode to a fourth-place finish in intermediate fences.

In novice flat, Emily Schlosberg ’19 became Sweet Briar’s first Region Finals qualifier for the year with a fourth-place finish. First-year student Katie Balding rode in her first IHSA show and placed fourth in novice flat and third in novice fences. Lauren Helber ’20 also competed in her first IHSA show and placed sixth in novice flat and fourth in novice fences. In the advanced walk, trot, canter class, Marina Biel ’18 and Abbey Narodowy ’20 placed second in their respective sections. Cassie Mills ’20 wrapped up the day with an exciting win in the walk, trot division.

“I am very pleased with how all our riders rode this weekend. They handled all the changes involved with moving into a new region with grace and confidence,” said head coach Lizzie Fisch, adding that the team enjoyed meeting the riders, coaches and horses in its new region.

Sweet Briar will compete again at Virginia Commonwealth University on Saturday, Sept. 30. Click here to view a complete calendar of upcoming riding events.