HANOVER, Mass. -- The Bridgewater State University equestrian team opened the 2023-2024 season on Saturday at the Holly Hill Show Stables in Hanover, Massachusetts. Boston University and Tufts University co-hosted the show. The Bears finished in fifth place in the team standings.

Senior captain Samantha Burke (Weymouth, MA) guided Flicka, a 13.3 chestnut pony, in limit over fences and placed fourth. With her performance, Burke pointed out of limit fences and qualified for regionals. Burke also rode Snickers, a 14.1hh roan gelding, in limit flat and placed third.

Junior captain Emily Desmond (Braintree, MA) rode Flicka to a first-place finish in limit flat. Desmond pointed out of limit flat and qualified for regionals. She also hopped on Ringo, a 15.2hh paint gelding, in limit over fences and placed sixth.

Freshman Abigail Abbott (Wareham, MA) had an amazing ride on Porsche, a 15.1hh bay appendix, in intermediate flat and won the event.

Sophomore Hannah Arsenault (Attleboro, Mass.) rode Snickers, a 14.1hh roan gelding, in limit flat and placed second at the show.

Freshman Jillian Wenners (Plymouth, Mass.) guided Hank, a 14hh chestnut pony, in pre novice and posted a second place showing.

Sophomore Keelin Shanley (Marshfield, Mass.) rode Gus, a 17.2hh liver chestnut warmblood gelding, in open flat and placed fourth. Shanley also rode Dude, a 15.2hh mustang gelding, in intermediate over fences and placed fifth.

Sophomore Rianne Wyckstrom (Hudson, Mass.) also rode Gus in intermediate over fences and placed sixth. Wyckstrom then hopped on Rocky, a 17hh grey gelding, in intermediate on the flat and finished third.

Second year graduate student Katherine Weitbrecht (Braintree, Mass.) guided Ringo, a 15.2hh paint gelding, in novice flat and placed fourth.

Junior Aobha O'Rourke (County Clare, Ireland) rode Peanut, a 17.3hh grey gelding, in open over fences and finished sixth.

The BSU equestrian team will be riding again on Saturday, October 28th as the Bears will travel to the Mor Lynn Farm in Walpole, Massachusetts. Stonehill College is hosting the show.