IDA Show - Saturday Dec. 1st 2012

The weather on Saturday Dec, 1st was more than perfect. Carolina blue skies, and temperatures in the 70s. We could not have asked for a better day for our late semester IDA home show. Having struggled for most of the week with putting the horse groups together as fairly as possible, I was very pleased that the groupings we finally selected created as level a playing field as possible (given the fact that horses, are living breathing individuals with opinions of their own.)

The show ran like clockwork thanks to the many hours spent by Dressage Show Chair Claire Pollard and Team Captain and Coach Lindsey Agaliotis in organizing volunteers, tack, horses, practicing the team and troubleshooting problems as they arose. Carla helped with coaching during the day even though she had no voice due to the bug that seems to be making the rounds this fall.

The day started with eight rides at first level. Lindsey drew Corky for her ride and laid down a solid test to finish in second place. Abigail Skillman drew Jake who is easily rattled and had had a rather rough first ride. Abi did a great job of calming the worried horse and helping to restore his confidence.

In the upper training division Brianna Carter and Hannah Firth drew Danny and Beckett respectively who we borrowed from hunter seat. Danny requires tact and confidence while Beckett draws out the rider’s determination and resolve to maintain a forward gait. Brianna placed 3rd and Hannah 5th.

After lunch during which the ring was changed to the small arena, Freshman Megan Pustarfi had a super ride on Chico to finish in second place and Sarah Jones rode another hunter seat horse “Scot” to finish in 4th place.

The final division saw freshman Kristen Parker earn her second win of the year riding Socke, while sophomore Claire Pollard took second place on Gordon followed closely Logan Teeter also riding Gordon. Logan and two other riders were tied with 66.25% and the tie was broken by the judge giving Logan 4th place.

St. Andrews team A came out as the winners for the day with 15 points followed by Averett’s two teams with 12 points each.

This semester has been a true example of team work for the dressage team. I have to thank Carla, Rob and Lindsey for stepping in when I was out at the beginning of the semester. They have taught lessons, run team practice and coached at shows. I was really pleased with the way the team has pulled together to support one another in their riding as well as being on top of organizing the show. Just shows you what can be done when good people come together with a common mission in mind.

First Level Test 1
2nd Lindsey Agaliotis 67.93%

Training Level Test 2
3rd Brianna Carter 65%
5th Hannah Firth 62.85%

Introductory Level Test C
2nd Megan Pustarfi 69.5%
4th Sarah Jones 67.5%

Introductory Level Test B
1st Kristen Parker 68.125%
2nd Claire Pollard 66.875%
4th Logan Teeter 66. 25%

Team Results
1. St. Andrews Team A
2. Averett Team A
3. Averett Team B
4. Elon Team A
5. NCSU Team Red
6. St. Andrews Team B

Points to Date.
Averett 12
SAU 11
NCSU 8
Elon 7

Most of the team, a couple of them were taking care of horses. Thanks to Mrs. Teeter for the photo.