Equestrian
The equestrian program at Smith has much to offer you, whether you’re just beginning or are already an advanced rider. Intercollegiate competition challenges accomplished riders, and instruction is offered from beginner through advanced levels. You may board a horse at Smith or ride and show any of 26 other horses. The program’s focus is hunter seat equitation and basic dressage and involves about 100 students each semester.
Almost all riders compete in some manner while at Smith, and many try out in the fall for the intercollegiate team. About 25 to 30 riders are chosen to fill the eight divisions, ranging from beginner walk-trot to open (Medal/Maclay). Intercollegiate showing is unique because riders are mounted on horses drawn by lot and provided by the host college. Students compete in about eight Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) shows each year, where they may qualify for the regional, zone and national finals.
Smith has sent riders to the finals consistently and has been in the top 3 of 12 colleges in Region III on a regular basis for the last 25 years.
In addition to intercollegiate showing, you may compete on the US Equestrian Federation (USEF) circuit or in local schooling shows. Students also participate in clinics with noted professionals such as Ray Texel, Tim Kees, Judy Richter, Frank Madden, Bernie Traurig and Leslie Howard. Each year, Smith hosts two intercollegiate shows, six schooling shows and two clinics.
News:
Equestrian Sarah Maxner Qualifies for Nationals
Sophomore equestrian Sarah Maxner (Norwich, VT) was Reserve Champion today in Walk, Trot, Canter in Zone competition held at Mount Holyoke College. Today's walk, trot, canter class was comprised to the top two riders from all four regions in New England. With her second place finish, she has qualified for Nationals which will be held at the Los Angeles, California Equestrian Center from May 8-11.
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Equestrians Compete at Regionals
Sophomore Sarah Maxner (Norwich VT)was Champion in Walk, Trot, Canter today at Regionals held at the University of Massachusetts and will compete next weekend at the Zone Championships to be held at Mount Holyoke College.
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Equestrian Earns 21 Ribbons at Smith Show
The Pioneers claimed 21 ribbons, 13 of which were fourth place finishes or higher, at the Smith College Equestrian Show this afternoon in Northampton, MA. The University of Massachusetts was the High Point College with 43 points, while Mount Holyoke was the Reserve High Point College with 36 points. Becker College took third with 26 points, Amherst College followed in fourth with 25 points, and Smith finished fifth with 24 points.
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Equestrians Finish Third at Mount Holyoke Show
Junior Kathryn Mishkin (Old Chatham, NY) brought home High Point Intermediate Over Fences Rider honors and qualified for Regionals today at the Mount Holyoke Show. The Pioneers finished third out of twelve teams with 32 points. UMASS was the High Point College with 40 points while host Mount Holyoke was Reserve High Point College with 38 points.
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Equestrians Claim 25 Ribbons in Opening Show of the Spring
The Smith equestrians brought home 25 ribbons, 17 in the top four places, from the UMass Show today. The eighteen riders finished in fourth place with 22 points, just one point out of third and two points out of second place. Host UMass and Mount Holyoke College tied for High Point College with 41 points while Becker took home Reserve High Point College with 24 points followed by Holy Cross with 23 points.
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Smith Equestrians Win Three Individual Titles at Amherst Show
First year Morgan Brescia (Seekonk, MA) brought home the High Point Rider and Novice Champion titles today from the Amherst Horse Show while Elizabeth Jacobson (New Fairfield, CT) captured the third title, Intermediate Champion of the Day.
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Equestrians Take Fifth at Mount Holyoke Show
The Smith equestrian team placed fifth today out of eleven schools at the Mount Holyoke Show. The University of Massachusetts finished first with 38 points followed by Becker with 30, Hampshire with 28, host Mount Holyoke with 17 and Smith, 16.
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Smith Equestrians Finish Fourth at UMass Show
The Smith equestrians had sixteen top four finishes today and took fourth place with 27 points out of eleven schools at the UMass Show. Becker College was the High Point College with 36 points while the host University of Massachusetts finished as Reserve High Point College with 34 points.
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Smith Equestrian Makes Strong Showing at Williams College Horseshow
The Pioneers were crowned reserve champions at the Williams College Horseshow this afternoon. The day was extra significant as two of Smith's riders qualified for the regional competition. Liz Jacobson '09 (New Fairfield, CT) for Novice Over Fences, and Sarah Maxner '10 (Norwich, VT) for Walk-Trot-Canter, both earned the required points to move onto the regional event.
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