Equestrian Team Fights For Third-Place Tie

By Katie Zacharda

LAGRANGEVILLE – The State University of New York at New Paltz IHSA team had a great showing at Crosswinds Equestrian Center Saturday. The team stepped up and each rider contributed solid points to the team’s point card, and the Hawks finished in a tie for third place with United States Military Academy with 25 points, behind Marist College (34) and Centenary University (45).

Senior Katie Zacharda started the day in intermediate fences, drawing Zander and placing fourth, and then competed in the intermediate flat aboard Rio, also finishing fourth.

Next up for SUNY New Paltz was the limit flat. Junior Frances Baldinucci rode Tito and put in a good ride, finishing sixth. Sophomore Sara Marriott drew Belle and rode to a sixth place finish as well. Sophomore Jillian Kahrs finished out limit flat for the Hawks, riding PJ Mask and came out with a second place standing.

“I think we [Quantum] both did very well. We really molded together on our ride and I’m very proud of how he did and I did,” said Kahrs “ It feels amazing to be able to see the progress I’ve had since my first show to now. I’m feeling a lot more confident in this style of riding and it’s a great feeling.”

The Hawks then moved to the pre-novice flat, starting with sophomore Brie Costello who drew JB and finished fourth. Freshman Abby Artz put in a great ride aboard Addy, and rode to a first place finish. Sophomore Paige Parker rode in introductory flat on her draw, Jake, and finished in second place.

“I am happy with our third place finish. With missing two key point spots in the open fences and open flat classes, third really means all our riders worked hard to gain points in their classes,” said SUNY New Paltz coach Brooke Nestor “The focus going to Centenary will be to fine tune everyone’s position on the flat that we have continued to be working on as well as working on track and pace on our course work at home before the show.”

SUNY New Paltz next competes at Centenary University Nov. 16 for its last show of the fall season.