Equestrian team earns second place at regionals

While competing at the regional show in Canonsburg, Pa., Pitt’s equestrian team had a… While competing at the regional show in Canonsburg, Pa., Pitt’s equestrian team had a successful outing, winning reserve highpoint team (second place) in a field that included more than a dozen total schools.

In order to be eligible for regional competition, riders had to first accumulate a set number of points in their particular events. While point requirements varied for each class, points earned by individuals were the same for all events.

First-place finishes were worth seven points. Second place earned a rider five points, and four points were awarded for third-place finishes.

Another aspect of regional competition that added difficulty was the tests given to the riders. Judges gave riders more difficult tasks to complete, such as riding a majority of the class without stirrups.

Pitt’s equestrian team qualified four riders in their division and also qualified for the Cachion Cup, which is a class for the top six open riders for the year. While competing for the Cachion Cup, riders must jump a course at the most difficult height level used in Intercollegiate Horse Show Association competition, then must also complete a flat class. The judges then combine the two scores, and the rider with the highest combined point total wins.

Pitt’s Emma Taylor brought home second place in this year’s Cachion Cup.

Jocelyn Kozick competed in two events and earned second place in novice fences and fourth place in intermediate flat.

In the novice flat class, Kira Mamula brought home the blue ribbon; one of four first place finishes by Pitt.

Melania McSweeney finished first in both the alumni fences and alumni flat classes.

And grabbing the fourth Pitt blue ribbon was Sidney Rozek, who earned first place in advanced walk, trot, and canter.

The last competition before nationals are the zones, which will be held at Nemacolin Woodlands on the weekend of April 10. Pitt will be sending McSweeney, Kozick, Rozek and Mamula.

“All four of them have a great chance to reach nationals,” Taylor said.