14 Riders Qualify for Hunt Seat Regionals

14 Riders Qualify for Hunt Seat Regionals

The final regular season show for the hunt seat team was a double-header co-hosted by all of the schools in Region 4. The two-day competition took place Feb. 14-15 at Willowbrooke Farms in Plymouth, Mich. Fortunately it will not be the end of the season for 14 Briton riders who will continue on to compete at the upcoming Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Region 4 Championships. 

The first day was especially strong for the Albion team. Sophomore Cayla Dupuis swept both of her divisions (intermediate flat and novice fences) and earned the high point rider award for the entire show. First-year rider Brittany Steele and senior Meredith Michalec contributed points by winning firsts and seconds in their two divisions each. Megan Reilly and Caroline Bearss secured their spots in the regional show with first place performances of their own. Co-captain Claire Tillman brought home a third place ribbon in intermediate flat. Overall, the Albion team finished as reserve champion team.

Successful rides continued on the second day. Paige Beliveau secured third place in both intermediate flat and fences, followed by more thirds won by Sienna Mendina and Katie Didier. Megan Brown picked up a second in beginner walk-trot-canter. And first place ribbons were awarded to Steele, Tillman, Emily Galka, Natalya DiCiacca, and Megan Winkler. At the end of the day, the Albion team wound up in fourth place.

The 14 individuals that have qualified for the regional show will compete at Willowbrooke Farms again on Feb. 28 where they will fight to continue on to the Zone Championships.