Pomeroy Equestrians

Equestrian News

SMWC Equestrian Western Team Heads to National Semi-Finals

About the teams

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Equestrian Team is proud to be part of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA.) The team competes throughout the year in both Western and Hunt Seat (also referred to as Hunter Seat or English,) traveling to about 20 shows per season. SMWC has often been the site for Regional horse shows. Students in our equine program are a vital part of the horse show management.

Nationals will be on May 2-5 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This year, Ali Mahloch '13 will be representing the region in the Cacchione Cup as she clenched the High Point Rider of the region award for Hunt Seat. To compete for the Cacchione Cup, riders have to earn the most combined open flat and fences points in their region. They compete in both a flat phase and an over fences phase. The competition is very competitive and continues over serveral days. The score received in the flat phase determines whether they go on to compete in the fences phase.

IHSA has eight levels of Hunter Seat Riding and six levels of Western Riding. It begins with beginners that have had very minimal instruction and no show experience to those that have competed in nationally recognized competions. Individual membership does not require students to own their own horse. Horses used in competitions are supplied by the host College.

To learn more or find out how you can be part of the Pomeroy Equestrian Team, contact one of our coaches: Krista Steinmetz, Hunt Seat Coach or Sara Schultz, Western Team Coach.