University of New Hampshire senior Kim Lynch is in the front row (seated) while from left to right in the back row are Wildcat teammates Becca Butz, Christine Phipps, Kristen Phelps and Sara Barone. Both Barone and Phelps won classes on November 6th and each qualified for at least one ride at Regionals. The Wildcats scored 41 points to narrowly beat out the University of Vermont.

WILDCATS OVER CATTAMOUNTS BY ONE AND GULLS BY TWO

Boxford, MA - Parts of New England can get very cold by November 6th. Therefore it was a pleasant surprise that temperatures came close to 60 degrees as Endicott College hosted the sixth and final Zone 1, Region 2 fall show at Spring Tide Farm. It turned out to be a day where multiple teams had a chance to win going into the final division, and when it was over defending Region Champion University of New Hampshire had won the closest meet of the season so far, earning a 41-40 victory over the University of Vermont. Endicott was third with 39 points.

The Wildcats earned seven blue ribbons. Kristen Phelps was the first UNH rider to win a class, with her first in intermediate fences their only over fences blue ribbon. Sara Barone, a sophomore from Hopkinton, Massachusetts who was making her first IHSA appearance of the season, won her intermediate flat after having placed second in intermediate fences. Barone had enough carry-over points that she qualified for Regionals in both divisions. Kate Frazier won the following section of intermediate flat while former Otterbein University rider Megan Murfey won her novice flat four classes later. Linsey Phelan and Rachel Hurst won back-to-back sections of advanced walk-trot-canter while Anna Stoebel's win in the final class of the day meant the junior from Mattapoisett, Massachusetts will have to canter in addition to walking and trotting from now on. Valerie Goeman, a junior from Exeter, New Hampshire was one of six UNH riders to finish second in a class. Goeman's red ribbon in novice flat also sent her on to Regionals. The Wildcats take a 227-216 lead over the Cattamounts into the winter break.

The University of Vermont earned more blue ribbons (eight) than any other team at Spring Tide Farm. Reese Green, a senior from East Montpelier, Vermont won both of her open classes. Each time Green won her teammate Madison McKay (sophomore, from Melville, New York) won the open class which followed. Green and McKay were the only riders to win twice on the 6th as it turned out. Morgan Manchester's win in the first section of intermediate fences kept the Cattamounts undefeated at the time (Phelps won the next class to break the streak). Freshmen Rachel Mann and Devon Brownlee won consecutive sections of novice flat while Emily Atwood (sophomore, from Bethlehem, Connecticut) won the final University of Vermont blue ribbon of the day in the first section of advanced walk-trot-canter. In addition the Cattamounts were red ribbon winners on five ocassions.

At one point host Endicott College ran off three straight blue ribbons. Gulls senior Michele DeCata (second on left) poses with her Mother (on far left), Head Coach Stephanie Andreottola (second on right) and Coach Steph's son Sam after winning the second section of novice flat to make it three blue ribbons in a row.

Endicott College earned five blue ribbons and may have lead through six divisions. Lauren Horth, a senior from Dalton, Massachusetts led the way for the Gulls with a first in open flat and a second in open fences. Horth now holds a 62-59 lead over Green in the Region 2 open rider standings. Nicole Barberio was a winner in novice fences while Marissa Ricard (in intermediate flat), Katie Saunders (in novice flat) and Michele DeCata (same) each combined to win three consecutive classes for the Gulls. In addition to Horth three other Endicott riders were red ribbon winners. One of the three, sophomore Taylor Chisholm, qualified for Regionals in novice fences.

Though they were without an open fences rider (nor was head coach Kate Selby present), Middlebury College was fourth overall with 24 points. The Panthers did not have a blue ribbon until the third-to-last class when sophomore Sarah Pollnow won the final section of beginner walk-trot-canter. Elena Zhang, a sophomore from Beijing, China won the section of walk-trot which followed. Oona Ziegler (in intermediate flat) and Sarah Bates (in the final walk-trot class of the day) added red ribbons for Middlebury.

Both Dartmouth College and Colby-Sawyer College tied for fifth with 23 points each. The Big Green were led by freshman Tasha Bock, whose blue ribbon in the second of four sections of advanced walk-trot-canter was Dartmouth's only blue ribbon of the day. Freshman Kate Mahoney (in open flat) and sophomore Janna Wandzilak (in intermediate flat) secured red ribbons for the Big Green. Likewise Colby-Sawyer managed only one blue ribbon. Margaret Gousse, a junior from Yarmouth, Maine who goes by "Maggie" won the final jumping class of the day, the third section of novice fences. Surprisingly this was Colby-Sawyer's only top-two ribbon that day.

Castleton State College scored 21 points. Though the Spartans were one of two schools that did not earn a blue ribbon at today's show Gabrielle Johansen (in open flat), Lauren Tulikangas (in novice flat) and Margaret Mondou (in beginner walk-trot-canter) each earned red ribbons for Castleton State.

Without riders in open fences, open flat and walk-trot Bates College still scored 16 points. The Bobcats were not strangers to the upper echelon ribbons. Sophomore Tess Ferguson was a winner in novice fences while Katherine Kirwin won her novice flat while placing second to Barberio in novice fences. Eleanor Anaclerio (in intermediate flat) and Carolyn Attenborough (novice flat) added red ribbons for Bates.

The University of Maine did not have a rider above the novice level nor did the Black Bears have a walk-trot rider present. Both Kristen Brown and Jennifer Bonk-Brown placed third in novice flat (the latter thought she had qualified for Regionals with the additional four points, but the file we received indicated Bonk-Brown sits at 35 points, one shy of the 36 now required under the IHSA's 2011-12 rule change. Riders in all divisions save for open and alumni now need 36 and not 35 to go to Regionals. There have been cases in several regions where riders did not know this and showed at the higher level after reaching 35 points. This mistake has cost several the opportunity to ride at Regionals around the country this season. Don't let it happen to you; Make sure you are at 36 or over before entering yourself up one level - Editor). The Black Bears scored eight points for the day.

The University of New England closed out the scoring with seven points. Leading the way for UNE was beginner walk-trot-canter rider Jenna Meserve. The freshman from Columbia, Connecticut won her first IHSA blue ribbon and the only University of New England blue for the day. Leslie Bardin (in advanced walk-trot-canter) and Alex Rubin (making her beginner walk-trot-canter debut) both won red ribbons while Katie Cunniff's fourth in advanced walk-trot-canter put her over the 36 point plateau to advance to Regionals.

After years of watching Dartmouth make their riders wear something funny after they win, the University of Vermont tried something similar on the 6th. A belt purchased at a TJ Maxx spinning the virtues of the WWE (well, actually it just makes noise and lights up as the WWE logo spins around) was first worn by Reese Green (on right) and then by Madison McKay (on left). Both riders got to wear the belt twice, as the duo won all their open classes and eventually made up the ride-off.

Breaking from the traditional format of most stories written about IHSA shows on Campus Equestrian, we present a collection of actual comments written by most of today's winners. Each of these blue ribbon winners typed their comments directly into our laptop, and save for a coma or two that we changed, their responses are presented verbatim...

"I am so excited to have started out the day on a good note. We have a great team this year and I can't wait to see what we can do! I can't believe this is my senior year but I know that the UVM team has a bright future ahead!" - Reese Green (a senior, from East Montpelier, Vermont), University of Vermont, who won both the first section of open fences and the first section of open flat.

"I'm so happy that the team as started out so strong. The team this year is really great and we have some really talented riders. I am looking forward to our future together and continuing our success!" - Madison McKay (a junior, from Melville, New York), University of Vermont, who won the second section of open fences and later did likewise in the second section of open flat.

"Being a freshman I had no idea of what to expect of the intercollegiate riding but it has been above and beyond what I have ever expected. Our team is incredibly strong and I love showing for Vermont!" - Morgan Manchester (freshman, from Concord, Massachusetts), University of Vermont, who won the first section of intermediate fences.

"Showing with my college team is always a really fun experience I look forward to and when I can make a positive contributition it makes it even better!" - Kristen Phelps (senior, from Hookset, New Hampshire), University of New Hampshire, who won the second section of intermediate fences.

"I just would like to thank my coach Steph who has prepared me for any horse draw and has really given me the confidence to sucessfully get me through all of my rides." - Nicole Barberio (sophomore, Southborough, Massachusetts), Endicott College, who won the first section of novice fences.

"I'd like to thank all of my team members. Through all of the early mornings, team sleepovers, boot cleaning parties, and lessons, there is not other group of girls I would rather share this experience. Thank you!" - Tess Ferguson (sophomore, Hopkinton, New Hampshire), Bates College, who won the second section of novice fences.

Margaret "Maggie" Gousse (on left) not only thanked Head Coach Pam Payson (on right) in her quote she also thanked Colby-Sawyer's new Assistant Coach Kendra Messer (not pictured). Gousse was the only Colby-Sawyer College rider to win a class on November 6th.

"Being new to Novice Fences, I have worked very hard to perfect my jumping position and I couldn't thank Pam Payson any more helping me get to my point in jumping today. Not to mention, I have an awesome assistent coach, Kendra, and an amazing team to cheer me on every time. I would also like to thank Conrad, an excellent jumping horse that I drew last year for my Novice Fences debut. I was very lucky to draw him again!" - Maggie Gousse (junior, Yarmouth, Maine), Colby-Sawyer College, who won the third and final section of novice fences.

"Flat work has always been difficult for me, being all of 5'2". I do a lot of flat work without my irons and really work on elongating my leg. My coach, Steph, is my support system. She and I have worked very hard together to help me become more versitle and adjustable. Today I flatted a horse named 'Corkey.' He was more on the lazy side and I really had to work on getting him in front of my leg. He goes more like a hunter with his nose pointed out rather than an equitation horse which tends to go more collected and put together. I am very grateful to my whole team for always being there and working really hard along side of me. Any success I have in the IHSA from this point forward I owe to my coach Steph!" - Lauren Horth, Endicott College, who won the third section of open flat and had kind words for Gulls Head Coach Stephanie Andreottola.

"Well, today was my first show of the year so I was really excited to ride today. There was great competition and I had a really fun time. I would like to thank my coach Chris Keim as well as my awesome teammates of UNH!" - Sara Barone (sophomore, Hopkinton, Massachusetts), University of New Hampshire, who won the first section of intermediate flat.

"I rode Gigi in my flat class at Endicott and she was wonderful! I always look forward to IHSA shows with my teammates and coach Christina Keim. We have a really supportive and fun team that makes IHSA my favorite part of attending UNH!" - Kate Frazier (senior, Bristol, Connecticut), University of New Hampshire, who won the second section of intermediate flat.

"I came from a different background of riding called eventing, so I have really been working hard to adjust my flat position. My amazing coach and supportive teammates have helped me every step of the way!" - Marissa Ricard (freshman, Hollis, New Hampshire), Endicott College, who won the third section of intermediate flat.

Bates College scored only 16 points yet the Bobcats earned more top-two ribbons than many schools which outscored them. From left to right are Eleanor Anaclerio (second in intermediate flat), Carolyn Attenborough (second in novice flat), Katherine Kirwin (a first in novice flat and second in novice fences), Tess Ferguson (first in novice fences) and Liana Blum, who missed the top two but is already headed to Regionals in novice fences.

"I have never been a part of a team before. Growing up as an equestrian athlete, I was always competeing for myself. Being a part of the Endicott College Equestrian Team has taught me to work cooperatively with others, and develop a family away from home. Thank you Coach Steph for all of your help and encouragement!" - Katie Saunders (freshman, Cherry Hill, New Jersey), Endicott College, who won the first section of novice flat on 'Charlie.'

"Riding is my pasion. I have had a great experience being part of a team that loves and cares for each other. My coach has molded me into the rider I am today and I want to thank her so much for that! - Michele DeCata (senior, Ridgefield, Connecticut), Endicott College, who won the second section of novice flat and, like many of her teammates, had kind words for Coach Andreottola.

"Today at Endicott I had a very good ride. The thing I needed to work on was looking confident in the ring and I definitely felt that today. Because I transferred to UNH, my riding has improved so much!" - Megan Murfey (freshman, Brookfield, New Hampshire), University of New Hampshire, who snapped Endicott's run of three straight blue ribbons with a win in the third of six sections of novice flat.

"I am so honored to show for Vermont! The people on the team are amazing, and I can't wait to ride next season!" - Rachel Mann (freshman, Atlanta, Georgia), University of Vermont, who won the fourth section of novice flat and who perhaps was referring to the spring portion of the 2011-12 schedule.

"Riding in college brings a whole new aspect to the sport. It transforms the sport into a team effort rather than simply the effort of one individual. My team here at the University of Vermont makes for a excellent team atmosphere!" - Devon Brownlee (freshman, Montpelier, Vermont), University of Vermont, who won the fifth section of novice flat.

"My teammates are an inspiration to me and they support me in every aspect of this sport. Riding is truly a team effort. Go Bates Equestrian!" - Katherine Kirwin (freshman, Eliot, Maine), Bates College, who won the sixth and final section of novice flat.

While Vermont had the WWE belt, Dartmouth College had the most colorful pinafore or "Pinny" for their winners to wear. However only Tasha Bock (on left, with Head Coach Sally Batton) earned the right to wear it. A freshman from Encinitas, California, Bock won the Big Green's only blue ribbon by way of the advanced walk-trot-canter.

"It has been such an amazing opportunity to be on the Dartmouth Equestrian team and have Sally (Batton) as a coach! I love the team camaraderie at practices, workouts and "showcases!" - Tasha Bock (freshman, Encinitas, California), Dartmouth College, who won the second section of advanced walk-trot-canter.

"It's been great being a freshman on the team. Everyone has been really helpful and welcoming and it has been a lot of fun!" - Linsey Phelan (freshman, Scotch Plains, New Jersey), University of New Hampshire, who won the third of four sections of advanced walk-trot-canter.

"I am so glad to be a part of a fantastic supportive team. And today I can thank my wonderful coach who helped me get my first IHSA first place ribbon!" - Jenna Meserve (freshman, Columbia, Connecticut), University of New England, who won the first of two sections of beginner walk-trot-canter and had kind words for Coach Jackie Blackwell.

"The team is so supportive, and Kate (Selby) is a fantastic coach!" - Sarah Pollnow (sophomore, Seattle, Washington), Middlebury College, whose win in beginner walk-trot-canter provider her with her first IHSA blue ribbon.

"I love my team so much!! This is my fourth show in my life and the first time I won the first place. I would have never done this without my team with me. Special thank you & love to Thea (Morrison), our assistant coach!! Love love everyone and all the best for Middlebury Equestrian team!" - Elena Zhang (sophomore, Beijing, China), Middlebury College, who won the first of two sections of walk-trot.

"UNH has provided me with so many opportunities to try new things! I am fortunate to go to a great school with many chances to get involved on campus. My team has been so supportive and helpful of my riding and the girls are great riders to look up to!" - Anna Stoebel (junior, Mattapoisett, Massachusetts), University of New Hampshire, who won the section section of walk-trot and qualified for Regionals in the process.

From left to right are Samantha Forrest, Travis Rawson, Kara Simanskas, Gabrielle Johansen and Jessica Sullivan of Castleton State College. Though Castleton did not manage any blue ribbons at Spring Tide Farm the Spartans won three red ones, including one for Johansen in open flat.

The Ride-Off: Actually there was no ride-off at today's show. A question-and-answer session with Judge Amy Eidson broke the tie, with McKay awarded the High Point Ribbon and Green reserve. Eidson was very popular with many riders for her selections throughout today's show.

Back and forth: Last season Olivia Cameron of Dartmouth College represented Skidmore College at IHSA Nationals in the Cacchione Cup Competition. Though she is now at Dartmouth, Cameron could conceivably represent Skidmore at 2013 Nationals in the same division. This is because Cameron is taking advantage of a relationship between the two schools which allows students to obtain an engineering degree with both colleges represented on two diplomas. "Skidmore is part of a dual-degree engineering program with Dartmouth," says Cameron. "It's a 2-1-1-1 program, so I spent the last two years at Skidmore, this year at Dartmouth, will be back at Skidmore next year, and back at Dartmouth the following year. I'll graduate from Skidmore in 2013 with a B.A. in math and from Dartmouth in 2014 with a B.E. in engineering (most likely with a biomedical concentration). It's a great opportunity to be able to attend two really incredible schools!" Besides having two degrees Cameron could make history if she becomes the first rider to ride in three consecutive Cacchione classes at Nationals but never with the same school on consecutive seasons.

What's Next?: Rather surprisingly Region 2 is one of roughly four IHSA Regions nationwide that concluded their entire fall schedule by sunset on November 6th. The rest of the IHSA will hold at least one regular season show between now and December 4th, while the University of New Hampshire will take part in the 20th Anniversary Holiday Tournament of Champions in Long Valley, New Jersey on December 3rd. The next Region 2 show will be in March when the University of New Hampshire hosts. The University of Vermont will hold one more show after that and then the 2011-12 Zone 1, Region 2 regular season will be completed.

---Steve Maxwell

Show Incidentals: Sunny skies, with temperatures reaching the middle '50's. Entire show held indoors. Start time: 9:00AM Eastern Standard Time. Finish: 2:38PM - Includes 65 minute lunch break/Coaches and Captains meeting and a separate schooling break of 25 minutes. Point cards posted in this region? Yes. Alumni classes held in this region? No. Judge: Mrs. Amy Eidson. Stewards: Payson/Colby-Sawyer College, Austin/University of Vermont and Keim/University of New Hampshire.

Team Totals: University of New Hampshire (High Point Team) 41; University of Vermont (Reserve) 40; Endicott College 39; Middlebury College 24; Colby-Sawyer College 23; Dartmouth College 23; Castleton State College 21; Bates College 16; University of Maine 8 and University of New England 7.

High Point Rider - Madison McKay, University of Vermont
Reserve High Point Rider - Reese Green, University of Vermont