Dragons host Western Equestrian meet

Tiffin University competed at the Ohio Wesleyan Western.
Tiffin University competed at the Ohio Wesleyan Western.

On Saturday, September 22nd, the Tiffin University Equestrian Team hosted its 4th annual western season opener for the first time at Lane of Dreams Farm, LLC, home of the Tiffin University Equestrian Team.

With perfect weather conditions, the show went without a hitch, with four teams competing throughout the day - Tiffin University, Wilmington College, Ohio University, and Ohio State University.

In the morning show, twenty-one riders showed off their skills through a wide range of divisions.  Starting off the morning, Novice riders Miranda Bosler, Lindsay Weiser, Carolyn McCurrach, and Morgan Lynch rode competitively. Bosler placed fourth, Lynch in fifth, and McCurrach finished her debut western show with a sixth place.  Weiser had a strong ride as well.  Intermediate II rider Bailey Wells displayed an excellent ride in her debut collegiate horse show.  McKenzie Sargent and Calysta Herniter finished second in each of their classes, Herniter pointing up into the Novice division.  Morgan Hixenbaugh received a third place and also pointed up into the Novice division.  Riders Kaitlyn Borer and Paige McCaslin placed fifth in each of their classes and Bridget Webber, Maddie Powers, and Emily Boersen each finished sixth in their classes with impressive rides.  In the Intermediate I division, Alexis Reisner received a fourth place ribbon for her beautiful ride.  Sophomores Alexis Williams and Destiny Maruna finished second and third and freshmen Arissa Hendershot and Jacob Strandberg finished fifth and sixth in the Beginner division.  Advanced riders Rachael Dowczak and Katie Vogel had impressive rides, Dowczek receiving a third place.  Ashley Koszalka, Open rider, placed second in horsemanship and third in her reining class that qualified her in the running for a tie as the Reserve High Point Rider.  The team finished with a third overall placing while working tirelessly to keep the show running smoothly.

In the afternoon show, Open rider Ashley Koszalka had a beautiful reining pattern earning her a third place and solid horsemanship class in which she placed fourth.  In the Advanced division, both riders demonstrated excellent horsemanship, Rachael Dowczek placing second and Katie Vogel placing fourth.  With a quickly growing Novice division, all six riders had great rides. Calyster Herniter and Carolyn McCurrach finished third in their classes, Miranda Bosler and Morgan Lynch received fifth place ribbons, Lindsay Weiser placed sixth, and Morgan Hixenbaugh had a solid first ride in the Novice division.  Intermediate II rider Kaitlyn Borer received a second place and pointed up into the Novice division.  McKenzie Sargent finished third in her class with a beautiful ride.  Winning fourth place ribbons, riders Bailey Wells, Emily Boersen, and Paige McCaslin had wonderful rides.  Bridget Webber and Maddie Powers were each awarded fifth place for their afternoon rides.  Intermediate I rider Alexis Reisner finished fifth in her afternoon class.  Representing the beginner division, Arissa Hendershot placed second in her class, Alexis Williams receiving a third, Jacob Strandberg awarded fourth, and Destiny Maruna with an impressive ride earned sixth place. These great rides earned the Dragon Riders a total of 16 team points, trailing closely with Ohio University.

It was a great show day and successful hosting day for all of the Dragon Riders!  Stay tuned for  more excellent rides at our next western show at Wilmington College on November 4th!