Monday, October 31, 2011

Dressage Team Fight for Regional Lead

Twelve riders, one coach and a barn manager serving as the second driver and cheering section for the dressage team left in the first frost of the year to travel to the Averett Equestrian Center early Sunday morning. The day turned out clear and fine with a cool breeze as the Knights battled to retain their regional lead.

In first level test 2, Junior Lindsey Agaliotis found it difficult to establish a good working relationship with her horse in the limited 10 minute warn up. She earned 66.8% to place third for the day. Sophmore Erin Hudson who is small in statue drew the largest first level horse but put in a very respectable test to earn 65.40% and 4th place. In the upper training division Senior Casey Curtis laid down a solid ride to place 5th with 66.40%, Senior Olivia Taylor had what appeared to be a beautiful ride on a sensitive horse but failed to show the quality in the movements with coefficients to finish a disappointing 9th in the division.

In lower training sophmore Brianna Carter rose to the occasion scoring 67.9% and earning 2nd place after requesting a re-ride due to the horse she drew having significant issues with the flowers in the ring. Senior Lauren Parker was right behind her with 67.5% and 3rd place riding the same horse. At the Introductory Level St. Andrews riders rose to the occasion with Jenna Marten scoring 72.5% for 2nd place and freshman Masha Peckham scoring 67.5% for 4th and Senior Katelee Johnson placing 5th with 66.30% in a large division with 12 riders.

At the end of the fall season this leaves the Knights trailing Averett University by one point. “I have challenged the team individually and as a group to tell me how they plan to improve their riding by February when we compete again,” said coach Dwelle. “Although this is a team sport it is the responsibility or each individual to improve their skills, everyone has a different challenge. Averett is a strong school and will be difficult to beat, their riders have more opportunities to compete at schooling and recognized shows than our riders and this gives them a competitive edge.”

The Knights have three shows left in the spring a double header at Averett Feb 18th – 19th and the final show March 18th at St. Andrews.

Regional Standings after 3 shows
St. Andrews University 16
Averett University 17
Furman University 10
North Carolina State University 11

St. Andrews Team B – 10 points
Erin Hudson First Level Test 2
Casey Curtis – Training Level Test 3
Paige Tillison – Training Level Test 1
Jenna Marten – Introductory Level Test B

St. Andrews Team A – 9 points
Lindsey Agaliotos – First Level Test 2
Olivia Taylor – Training Level Test 3
Brianna Carter – Training Level Test1
Hannah Firth – Introductory Level Test B

Individual Results
First Level Test 2
3rd Lindsey Agaliotis 66.80%
4th Erin Hudson 56.40%

Training Level Test 3
5th Casey Curtis 66.40%

Training Level Test 1
2nd Brianna Carter 67.90%
3rd Lauren Parker 67.50%

Introductory Level Test B
2nd Jenna Marten 72.50%
4th Masha Peckham 67.50%
5th Katelee Johnson 66.30%

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