Senior rider Sara Mellado.
Story by Andy Kanengiser.
10/7/2009 11:17:37 AM
SEWANEE, TN - Mississippi College's equestrian team opened their 2009-2010 season at a horse show hosted by Sewanee in Tennessee in early October.
Fans of the MC team who didn't make the trip to Tennessee can see the women riders compete much closer to home at the Mississippi Hunter Jumper Association Oktoberfest in Canton Oct. 16-18.
Results of last weekend's competition at Sewanee Saturday, Oct. 3 show that MC rider Meredith Guider, a senior from Utica, finished fourth in the alumni over the fences category. Another senior, Sara Mellado of Mesquite, Texas took third in the novice fences. Guider earned a fourth-place finish in the alumni flat competition, while Marie Salassi of Jackson placed fifth.
Sunday's results showed Guider finish in third place in the alumni over the fences field, with Mellado taking third in novice over the fences. Guider took the second spot in alumni on the flat with Mellado getting third in the novice category.
Based at Providence Hill Farm,, about a 15-minute drive from the Clinton campus, Mississippi College's equestrian team is beginning its third season.
"Overall, the season looks promising,'' Guider said. "We have some fresh new faces who are eager to work hard and try their hand at competing, as well as returning riders who are working on improving their skills,'' she said. "I think we will have a fun and successful season.''
In the region, the Sewanee Tigers are rated No. 1 with their hunter seat team, while Middle Tennessee State University is second and Murray State University of Kentucky is third, according to Sewanee's web site.
Other highlights of the MC equestrian team's fall season include the Maryville Intercollegiate Horse Show Association's Maryville Horse Show in Friendsville, TN. Oct. 24-25, and the Mississippi Hunter Jumper Association Holiday Classic Dec. 4-6 in Canton. The Spring 2010 season opens on the road March 6-7 with the Murray State IHSA Horse Show in Kentucky.
For more information on the MC equestrian team, contact Providence Hill Farm at 601.925.0557 or the MC athletic department at 601.925.3341.