HANOVER, Mass. -- The Bridgewater State University equestrian team opened the 2021-2022 season on Saturday at the Holly Hill Show Stables in Hanover, Massachusetts. Boston University hosted the show.
After two years off, the Bears hopped back in the saddle at Holly Hill. To start things off, junior Ashley Crosby (Littleton, Mass.) entered the open flat ring on Ophelia, a 16.1 hand bay warm blood mare. Crosby rode to a second place finish in the event. She re-entered the ring for Intermediate Fences, on Riley, a 15.3 chestnut thoroughbred. This class qualified her for regionals, after a beautiful second place ride.
Freshman Orlaith Delaney (Mansfield, Mass.) made her BSU debut on Ophelia in the intermediate fences ring. She rode the course with ease, and came out with a third place ribbon.
Senior captain Madison Elliott (Centerville, Mass.) also competed in intermediate fences on Ophelia as she jumped through a very difficult class, coming to a sixth place finish.
Senior Katherine Ryan (Mendon, Mass.) made her show return on Emmitt, a 16-hand bay quarter horses in intermediate fences and placed fourth. Ryan re-entered the ring on Emmitt yet again for limit flat, and added another fourth place finish.
Sophomore Samantha Burke (Weymouth, Mass.) made her BSU debut in limit fences on Dede, a 15-hand chestnut mare. She rode her course beautifully, but was unable to place in the class. Burke hopped back in the ring for limit flat on Emmitt and picked up the Bears first blue ribbon of the season with a first place finish.
Junior Ashley Drake (Suffield, Conn.) returned to the show ring and rode Emmitt in limit flat to a third place ribbon.
Junior captain Jenna Root (Rutland, Mass.) made her season debut on Finn, a 17.2 hand grey warm blood in her novice flat class. Root rode through the class placing third.
Junior Hannah Nezuch (Marlborough, Mass.) made her BSU debut on Tuesday, a 16.2 hand crossbred paint. Hannah rode her way through introductory, capping off the day with a fourth place finish.
The BSU equestrian will be riding again tomorrow (Sunday, October 17th) at Mor Linn Farm in Walpole, Massachusetts. Stonehill College is hosting the show.
