Morrisville State western team crowned regional champion, Howland high point rider

The Morrisville State College western equestrian team had 11 riders advance to the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) semi-final championships following their finish at the regional championships on Sunday. Morrisville State was high point team for the year, claiming regional champion honors.



Catherine Howland (Rutlandtown, VT) was crowned the champion in both the reining and open western horsemanship classes, and completed the year as the high point rider for the region. She advances directly to the national competition in Lexington, Kentucky in May.



Lisa Ballard (Rome, NY) was the champion in the advanced western horsemanship class, followed by Margaret Roberts (Weedsport, NY) in the novice western horsemanship class.



Breann Schwarting (Earlville, NY) and Wyatt Carbaugh (Greencastle, PA) each claimed the regional crown in the intermediate and beginner western horsemanship classes, respectively.



Megan Freemantle (Middlefield, CT) was second in the reining and open western horsemanship classes, followed by teammates Kristiana Janacek (Gales Ferry, CT) in the advanced class, Jennifer Boise (New Haven, CT) in the novice class, and David Benninghoven (Gilroy, CA) in the intermediate class.



The top two riders from each division advance to the semi-finals held at the University of Findlay in Ohio on March 26.