IDA National Championships!

We had a lovely weekend in MA with good weather, wonderful people and time to renew our acquaintance with old friends that we only see once a year. The IDA is made up of volunteers who work for colleges or work for themselves in the horse industry, who all come together to provide a competitive forum for student athletes interested in the sport of dressage. I have friends from New England, Virginia, Florida, the mid-west and California who all met up at Mt. Holyoke this weekend for our annual meetings and National Championships. This year was all the more special as my Dad who came to visit us in NC to see the spring flowers traveled with me to support the riders and see a part of my life that he has never experienced before. To sum up the competitive side of the weekend I sent this email to the faculty and staff. For complete results of the National Championships click here.

Please congratulate Lindsey Agaliotis and Kristen Parker on a very successful weekend at the Intercollegiate Dressage Association National Championships held this weekend at Mt. Holyoke College in South Hadley MA. Lindsey placed third in the First Level division which was a great end to her intercollegiate riding career as she will be graduating this weekend and Kristen placed seventh in the Introductory division. As we waited for our flight last night I asked Lindsey to give me a few words about her experience with the equestrian program. I would like to share her response with you. 

 “Riding for and representing St. Andrews these past four years has been such a privilege. To be part of such a great team with great instructors has really shaped me as a rider and prepared me for my future in the equine industry. I could not think of a better way to end such a wonderful four years as a St. Andrews equestrian.” 

Both Lindsey and Kristen were wonderful representatives for St. Andrews and I am very proud of both of them for working hard to qualify for the National Championships this year. Thank you to all the faculty who were willing to work with these girls to make this opportunity possible, I very much appreciate your flexibility!