Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Such an exciting time to be at St. Andrews!

The ANRC team placed 4th at Centenary College in New Jersey competing in the American National Riding Commission National Championships. The team of four riders traveled with their horses and Coach Ashley Duda to compete against approximately 15 other colleges. The competition consists of four phases; a written test of riding theory and equine science, a USEF hunter equitation test, a hunter seat equitation medal course and a Derby style equitation course similar to a hunter trials course.

The weather caused changes in the schedule, delays at the airport, and a loss of sleep for the riders, however at the end of the weekend all riders were very pleased with the final result.

The dressage team will be driving to New Jersey on Thursday to compete in their own Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) National Championships at Centenary College. St. Andrews has not qualified a team for IDA nationals since 2002 although individuals have represented the college in most years. The team is led by Lindsey Agaliotis at first level who qualified as an individual at upper training last year. Lindsey qualified this year as an individual as well as riding for the team. Her team mates are Lauren Parker in upper training, Paige Tillison in lower training and Jenna Marten at the Introductory level. Interestingly, Jenna is the only equine business major of the group. Lindsey is an interdisciplinary major, Lauren is an education major and Paige is a psychology major, showing that dressage is a sport for everyone!

Beginning this weekend the St. Andrews Equestrian Program begins the move to Raleigh. As the host school of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association National Championships St. Andrews is providing many of the volunteers, approximately 23 horses and many hours of Director Peggy McElveen’s time and organizational expertise. More on that shortly!

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