Equestrian team hunts for more

First-year Allison Matthews qualifies for Nationals

The Oberlin College equestrian team (OCET) has had a tremendously successful year. Competing in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, this is the first year that the team has had a rider in every division, and that expansion has really paid off.

The team began the year with a previously unheard of High Point Reserve Team Champion Ribbon awarded to the second place team at a show.

It was a three way tie for second. The team had only taken third once before. Also, the teams that tied with Oberlin had seven times the team size as many riders as Oberlin.

For a team of ten to tie with a team of 70 is impressive.

In the second of show of second semester, the Oberlin College equestrian team proved that they were a force to be recond with when they earned an unshared second High Point Reserve Champion Ribbon. Once again, the team beat out teams teams with 50 to 70 riders. OCET proved that talent, not brawn, is what counts. The team is looking to next year for the High Point Champion Ribbon.

Individual riders shined throughout the season. They garnered a myriad of first and second place ribbons, and four riders earned enough points to make it to the Regional competition, where they compete in hopes of making it to Nationals.

Among these was first year Allison Matthews in Open (i.e. advanced) fences (jumps), junior Audrey Wasser in Advanced Walk Trot Canter, junior Katy Hodjati in Intermediate Flat, and team president senior Jess Pittman in Walk Trot.

At regionals, Hodjati and Pittman each placed fourth in their class. Matthews took second, enough for her to pass on to zones.

At zones, Allison Matthews demonstrated her incredible ability by winning her class. She moves on to nationals, which will be held in May in Vermont.

Jessica Pittman is a member of the Oberlin College Equestrian Team

Hot to Trot: An OCET member rides during a recent competition. The team earned High Point Reserve (second) at the tourney. (photo courtesy Jessica Pittman)