Middle Tennessee State University, coached by Ariel Higgins (holding trophy) won the 2023 IHSA Nationals Western Team Competition. This marked the first time MTSU won any team championship at IHSA Nationals since the program was founded in the late 1970's.

SKIDMORE WINS ENGLISH, MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE WESTERN AS BOTH TEAM RACES GO DOWN TO THE WIRE

LEXINGTON, KY - Skidmore College, in a back-and-fourth race with defending hunter seat National Champion Emory and Henry College, went on to prevail by a point-and-a-half over eventual runner-up Savannah College of Art and Design for the 2023 IHSA Hunter Seat National Championship. This was the ninth time in program history that the school located in Saratoga Springs, New York captured either an outright title or a shared title (once in 2013). While Skidmore added to their all-time IHSA high total of hunter seat team championships Middle Tennessee State University captured their first-ever team National Championship. The school located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee won an even-closer contest with St. Andrews University for the Western National Championship. The Blue Raiders took the lead for good after four of seven team classes and hung to beat the Knights by a single point.

For the first time in the history of the Boston University riding program the Terriers can claim the Cacchione Cup winner. Senior Elizabeth Nevins won the multi-phased competition to earn the title of being the IHSA's number one English rider in 2022-23. In 2015 Selena Finn won the individual AQHA High Point Rider award for the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Now the Cornhuskers can say that two of their graduates have won that award. Senior Sarah Eberspacher won the two-phased competition to become the IHSA's top Western rider for the season, which was sponsored by Back On Track for the first time.

Campus Equestrian is still working on a full-length story on 2023 IHSA Nationals but in the meantime here are the Complete Class-By-Class Results followed by the Team Scores for the annual year-end IHSA event.

--Steve Maxwell

The 2023 IHSA Nationals Class-by-Class Results, held at Alltech Arena in Lexington, Kentucky May 4th through 7th. The Classes are listed in the order in which they were held. The Hunter Seat Judges were Linda Andrisani and Tony Sgarlata while the Western Judges were Holly Hover and Debra Jones - Wright.

Thursday, May 4th:

Individual Open Equitation Over Fences: 1. Kenya Sanders, Skidmore College. 2. Elizabeth Nevins, Boston University. 3. Elizabeth Orosz, Otterbein University. 4. Shannon Flynn, George Mason University. 5. Justice Myers, University of California at Berkeley. 6. Celia Cram, Savannah College of Art and Design. 7. Dawson Amick, St. Andrews University. 8. Kathryn McCarthy, College of Charleston. 9. Emma Pell, Penn State University (State College). 10. Kayla Ryan, Stanford University.

Individual Intermediate Equitation Over Fences: 1. Alyx Swope - Bell, Drew University. 2. Madison Aguilar, Savannah College of Art and Design. 3. Keilty Archibald, Skidmore College. 4. Clare O'Brien, Washington and Lee University. 5. Benjamin Hoban, Centenary University. 6. Mallory Francis, Hollins University. 7. Marianna George, University of Findlay. 8. Emma Eaton - Ayres, University of Rhode Island. 9. Corinne Jacoby, St. Lawrence University. 10. Maegan Fitzgerald, University of Kentucky.

Individual Limit Equitation Over Fences: 1. Mea Handy, George Mason University. 2. Chloe Bell - Thomsom, Skidmore College. 3. Philine Weisbeek, Northeastern University. 4. Sara Walter, Penn State University (State College). 5. Audrey Washington, Stanford University. 6. Abigail Utterback, University of Findlay. 7. Grace Nordhoff, University of Colorado at Boulder. 8. Marran Vansickle, Sweet Briar College. 9. Kelsey Jedra, Syracuse University. 10. Marie Hollertz, Otterbein University.

Team Limit Equitation Over Fences: 1. Elise Sigety, Skidmore College. 2. Alice Shea, University of South Carolina. 3. Sierra Smith, Emory and Henry College. 4. Sophia Mirando, Long Island University - Post. 5. Abby Talcott, Purdue University. 6. Riley Seielstad, Otterbein University. 7. Kayla DeStephanis, Sacred Heart University. 8. Molly Sowa, Centenary University. 9. Hattie Bradford, Savannah College of Art and Design. 10. Ellen Aasted, Stanford University.

Individual Intermediate Equitation On The Flat: 1. Pauline Jodry, Delaware Valley University. 2. Leah Driscoll, University of Massachusetts at Amherst. 3. Abbie Wright, Cazenovia College. 4. Lauren Latimer, University of Notre Dame/St. Mary's College. 5. Erin O'Callahan, University of Pittsburgh. 6. Maegan Fitzgerald, University of Kentucky. 7. Lauren Daniel, College of William and Mary. 8. Meera Paranjape, University of Florida. 9. Haylie Wynne, Ohio State University. 10. Sarah Alderman, University of Florida.

Individual Limit Equitation On The Flat: 1. Madeline Cunningham, Maryville College. 2. Emmalyn Mirarchi, Mount Holyoke College. 3. Hudson Warren, St. Lawrence University. 4. Mallory Francis, Hollins University. 5. Victoria Coale, Delaware Valley University. 6. Anna Cahill, Purdue University. 7. Roberta Cullinan, Miami University of Ohio. 8. Julia Sroka, Centenary University. 9. Sophia Shields, University of New Hampshire. 10. Taylor Trecek, University of Wisconsin - River Falls.

Team Limit Equitation On The Flat: 1. Kendall Madison, Emory and Henry College. 2. Hattie Bradford, Savannah College of Art and Design. 3. Lauren Rex, University of Findlay. 4. Kayla DeStephanis, Sacred Heart University. 5. Cate Bates, Mount Holyoke College. 6. Kate Wenzel, University of Southern California. 7. Charlotte Lyon, Skidmore College. 8. Parker Watt, Stanford University. 9. Meghan FitzPatrick, Centenary University. 10. Peyton Snider, University of South Carolina.

Individual Novice Equitation: 1. Kelsey Yin, University of Arizona. 2. Rory Woods, Marist College. 3. Emily Pecsok, Cornell University. 4. Jaclyn Marney, Bloomsburg University. 5. Jacqueline Henley, Stanford University. 6. Julia Richter, Otterbein University. 7. Remington Linker, Wofford College. 8. Grace Sandretti, University of Wisconsin - Madison. 9. Elyssa Parker, Hollins University. 10. Gabrielle DiLemme, University of Kentucky.

Individual Open Equitation On The Flat: 1. Alexander Alston, Savannah College of Art and Design. 2. Harper Sanford, Skidmore College. 3. Elizabeth Nevins, Boston University. 4. Cole Jackson, Goucher College. 5. Morgan Munz, Centenary College. 6. Gracy Yeary, Cazenovia College. 7. Casey Truran, Savannah College of Art and Design. 8. Jessica Dziekan, Tarleton State University. 9. Devon Shaw, Rider University. 10. Chloe Noyes, Roger Williams University.

Team Intermediate Equitation On The Flat: 1. Sydney Jasny, Skidmore College. 2. Emmalyn Mirarchi, Mount Holyoke College. 3. Mia Sisson, Emory and Henry College. 4. Chloe Thatcher, Otterbein University. 5. Shelby McKie, Long Island University - Post. 6. Kellen Sullivan, Goucher College. 7. Anna Cahill, Purdue University. 8. Rebecca Kaplan, Centenary University. 9. Maggie Lawrence, University of Delaware. 10. Kate Milspaugh, University of South Carolina.

Friday, May 5th:

Team Intermediate Equitation Over Fences: 1. Caroline Mancini, Centenary University. 2. Emmalyn Mirarchi, Mount Holyoke College. 3. Sadie Nesbitt, Skidmore College. 4. Bryn Hurley, Savannah College of Art and Design. 5. Julia Bovino, Long Island University - Post. 6. Emma Gurley, Emory and Henry College. 7. Anna Cahill, Purdue University. 8. Abby Rich, University of Findlay. 9. Maggie Lawrence, University of Delaware. 10. Rylee Lent, Otterbein University.

Individual Ranch Riding: 1. Jordan Schauer, Midway University. 2. Rachel Lexon, Penn State University (State College). 3. Megan Manlief, St. Mary of the Woods College. 4. Virginia Barnett, Liberty University. 5. Ashlynn Johnson, Oregon State University. 6. Mackenzie Simon, University of Connecticut. 7. Autumn Lance, Berry College. 8. Taylor Casanta, Ohio State University. 9. Emma Suplicki, Alfred University. 10. Alana Hill, University of Findlay.

Individual Introductory Equitation: 1. Paige Doyle, West Texas A and M University. 2. Yunai Li, Mount Holyoke College. 3. Julia Berry, University of Florida. 4. Lily Borders, College of Charleston. 5. Samantha Raasch, University of Findlay. 6. Suri Ridder, University of Colorado at Boulder. 7. Sadie Schmid, University of Wisconsin - River Falls. 8. Hannah Rose, University of North Carolina at Greensboro. 9. Aurora Xu, Skidmore College. 10. Emily Brooks, Albion College.

Team Introductory Equitation: 1. Hailey Newbury, University of Southern California. 2. Mara Bunderson, University of Wisconsin - Madison. 3. Taylor Fox, Savannah College of Art and Design. 4. Thomas Carter, Emory and Henry College. 5. Darrow Hornik, Stanford University. 6. Emma Lynch, University of Findlay. 7. Emma Jennison, Skidmore College. 8. Mariss Skaggs, Otterbein University. 9. Lingdang Zhang, Mount Holyoke College. 10. Emily King, Centenary University.

From Sherborn, Massachusetts, Skidmore College sophomore Kenya Sanders (pictured) won the individual open over fences to start the first day of the four day event in Lexington. This was an omen as the Thoroughbreds went on to win two team classes and the IHSA Hunter Seat Team Competition.

Team Novice Equitation: 1. Juliana Mallia, University of South Carolina. 2. Tatum Cawley, Long Island University - Post. 3. Victoria Varella, Centenary University. 4. Emma Cantalupo, Mount Holyoke College. 5. Lexie Stoebenau, Savannah College of Art and Design. 6. Abigail Marsh, Sacred Heart University. 7. Kristen Wilhelm, Goucher College. 8. Annagrace Rawls, University of Findlay. 9. Sophia Haase Cox, Stanford University. 10. Casey Koochagain, Skidmore College.

Team Open Reining: 1. Autumn Carey, Black Hawk College. 2. Nigel Lancaster, Ohio State University. 3. Jordan Brechbill, University of Findlay. 4. Jordan Martin, Middle Tennessee State University. 5. Maggie Herbert, State University of New York at Morrisville. 6. Sarah Beth Felker, St. Andrews University. 7. Ashlyn Johnson, Oregon State University. 8. Kaylee Tingle, Midway University. 9. Sydni Niles, West Texas A and M University. 10. Sarah Eberspacher, University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

Individual Level 1 Western Horsemanship: 1. Kaitlyn Howe, University of Findlay. 2. Lakyn Wilson, Midway University. 3. Louann Braunwalder, Middle Tennessee State University. 4. Ella Rosloniec, Penn State University (State College). 5. Kirsten Miessler, Colby Community College. 6. Kurstin Walker, Black Hawk College. 7. Maddie Westbrook, Middle Tennessee State University. 8. Morgan Clinesmith, West Texas A and M University. 9. Jessica McCall, University of Florida. 10. Courtney Carlson, Utah State University.

Individual Open Western Horsemanship: 1. Sara Beth Felker, St. Andrews 2. Ashton Knerr, University of Findlay. 3. Lori Girrbach, Adrian College. 4. Sarah Eberspacher, University of Nebraska at Lincoln. 5. Hannah Belich, Lake Erie College. 6. Jordan Martin, Middle Tennessee State University. 7. Hannah Wright - Riley, Delaware Valley University. 8. Olivia Williams, Purdue University. 9. Rette Solomon, Berry College. 10. Kaitlyn Praisler, Morehead State University.

Saturday, May 6th:

Team Open Equitation Over Fences: 1. Anna Perlow, Long Island University - Post. 2. Celia Cram, Savannah College of Art and Design. 3. Cole Jackson, Goucher College. 4. Emily Gilbert, Skidmore College. 5. Camryn Lubner, University of South Carolina. 6. Elizabeth Orosz, Otterbein University. 7. Marianna George, University of Findlay. 8. Derrek Holt, Emory and Henry College. 9. Emma Schnolis, Purdue University. 10. Alexa Webber, University of Southern California.

Cacchione Cup Competition: 1. Elizabeth Nevins, Boston University. 2. Celia Cram, Savannah College of Art and Design. 3. Morgan Munz, Centenary University. 4. Emily Gilbert, Skidmore College. 5. Kylie Schoelen, Delaware Valley University. 6. Kathryn McCarthy, College of Charleston. 7. Cole Jackson, Goucher College. 8. Alexa Williams, Penn State University (State College). 9. Anna Perlow, Long Island University - Post. 10. Dawson Amick, St. Andrews University.

Team Open Equitation On The Flat: 1. Alexander Alston, Savannah College of Art and Design. 2. Cole Jackson, Goucher College. 3. Harper Sanford, Skidmore College. 4. Lindsay Shaw, Emory and Henry College. 5. Hanna Lloyd, Sacred Heart University. 6. Anna Perlow, Long Island University - Post. 7. Emma Schnolis, Purdue University. 8. Camryn Lubner, University of South Carolina. 9. Eavan Bronfman, University of Southern California. 10. University (C.W. Post). 10. Michaela Edwards, Stanford University.

Midway University did not win any of the seven western team classes but finished second on three of those occasions to eventually claim third place. Chase Summerville (on left, with Eagles head coach Conner Smith) won two of those red ribbons. A freshman from Albion, Pennsylvania, Summerville accomplished this in team Level II Western on May 6th and team Ranch Riding on May 7th.

Team Beginner Western Horsemanship: 1. Sadio Barnes, Middle Tennessee State University. 2. Axa Stevens, Berry College. 3. John Stafford, Midway University. 4. Starr Benton, St. Andrews University. 5. Megan Hochstetler, University of Findlay. 6. Kyle Anders, Ohio State University. 7. Abbigail Froelich, Black Hawk College. 8. Emma Garrett, Oregon State University. 9. Sommer Cavazos, Adrian College. 10. Hadley Olson, University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

Team Level II Western Horsemanship: 1. Kaitlyn Howe, University of Findlay. 2. Chase Summerville, Midway University. 3. Jennica Dannehl, West Texas A and M University. 4. Natalie Ward, Oregon State University. 5. Audrey Ferrie, Middle Tennessee State University. 6. Victoria Garvin, St. Andrews University. 7. Kayley Whelan, Adrian College. 8. Cadi Wilbeck, University of Nebraska at Lincoln. 9. Erin Murray, Ohio State University. 10. Kurstin Walker, Black Hawk College.

Team Rookie Western Horsemanship: 1. James Shrock, University of Findlay. 2. Luke Rogers, St. Andrews University. 3. Katerin Getty, Midway University. 4. Jessica Kauffman, Middle Tennessee State University. 5. Katie Thompson, Berry College. 6. Faith Woody, State University of New York at Morrisville. 7. Jillian Melendez, West Texas A and M University. 8. Tabatha Cassidy, University of Nebraska at Lincoln. 9. Kayla Schroeder, Black Hawk College. 10. Emma Rutledge, Ohio State University.

Individual Level II Western Horsemanship: 1. Carli Kerns, Albion College. 2. Faith Borbonus, University of Findlay. 3. Jordan Rydl, Black Hawk College. 4. Jordan Schauer, Midway University. 5. Delaney Bushhorn, St. Mary of the Woods College. 6. Rachel Lexon, Penn State University (State College). 7. Hayley Mertz, University of Findlay. 8. Mackenzie Simon, University of Connecticut. 9. Lili Evans, Mount Holyoke College. 10. Autumn Lance, Berry College.

Sunday, May 7th:

Team Ranch Riding: 1. Grace Strief, Black Hawk College. 2. Chase Summerville, Midway University. 3. Audrey Ferrie, Middle Tennessee State University. 4. Adrianna DiSilvestro, St. Andrews University. 5. Erin Murray, Ohio State University. 6. Natalie Ward, Oregon State University. 7. Cadi Wilbeck, University of Nebraska at Lincoln. 8. Brooke Backlund, Berry College. 9. Hayley Mertz, University of Findlay. 10. Jenna Tyson, State University of New York at Morrisville.

Individual Rookie Western Horsemanship: 1. Haley Bucher, Black Hawk College. 2. Marty Kasch, West Texas A and M University. 3. Hannah Brasher, Mississippi State University. 4. Gopher Warwick, Adrian College. 5. Emma Owens, Morehead State University. 6. Ashley Polson, West Texas A and M University. 7. Kaitlyn Brady, Delaware Valley University. 8. Helene van der Merwe, Alfred University. 9. Samantha Rockwell, Mount Holyoke College. 10. Amy Sager, University of Findlay.

Team Level I Western Horsemanship: 1. Lily Roman, St. Andrews University. 2. Haley Bucher, Black Hawk College. 3. Mackenzie Latimer, Middle Tennessee State University. 4. Sadie Tullock, Midway University. 5. Kaitlyn Evans, West Texas A and M University. 6. Gopher Warwick, Adrian College. 7. Emily Glascock, Oregon State University. 8. Makayla Robinson, Ohio State University. 9. Amelia Jaworski, State University of New York at Morrisville. 10. Taylor McIntosh, Berry College.

National Reining Horse Association Individual Open Reining: 1. Hannah Wright - Riley, Delaware Valley University. 2. Belle Sand, University of Minnesota - Crookston. 3. Sarah Eberspacher, University of Nebraska at Lincoln. 4. Shelby Carrico, Morehead State University. 5. Nigel Lancaster, Ohio State University. 6. Ashton Knerr, University of Findlay. 7. Lauren Johnson, Missouri State Unversity. 8. Brooke Sullivan, Western Kentucky University. 9. Maggie Herbert, State University of New York at Morrisville. 10. Autumn Cary, Black Hawk College.

Individual Beginner Western Horsemanship: 1. McKenna Konvicka, Black Hawk College. 2. Collin McLaughlin, University of Connecticut. 3. Hannah Price, Middle Tennessee State University. 4. Rylee Mirabile, Ohio Stste University. 5. Anna Lowers, University of Findlay. 6. Kaylee Barrieau, North Dakota State University. 7. Emily Brooks, Albion College. 8. Jenna Evans, Tarleton State University. 9. Mary Williams, Mississippi State University. 10. Grace Trepczyk, University of Findlay.

Team Open Western Horsemanship: 1. Sarah Beth Felker, St. Andrews University. 2. Jordan Martin, Middle Tennessee State University. 3. Autumn Cary, Black Hawk College. 4. Sarah Eberspacher, University of Nebraska at Lincoln. 5. Lori Girrbach, Adrian College. 6. Maggie Herbert, State University of New York at Morrisville. 7. Kaylee Tingle, Midway College. 8. Ashlyn Johnson, Oregon State University. 9. Nigel Lancaster, Ohio State University. 10. Rette Solomon, Berry College.

Individual AQHA High Point Open Rider Competition: 1. Sarah Eberspacher, University of Nebraska at Lincoln. 2. Jordan Martin, Middle Tennessee State University. 3. Sarah Beth Felker, St. Andrews University. 4. Lori Girrbach, Adrian College. 5. Ashton Knerr, University of Findlay. 6. Nigel Lancaster, Ohio State University. 7. Teah Taylor, St. Mary of the Woods College. 8. Maggie Herbert, State University of New York at Morrisville. 9. Kaylee Tingle, Midway College. 10. Sydney Hill, University of Wisconsin - River Falls.

2023 IHSA Nationals Hunter Seat Team Totals: