Geneseo Equestrian team sends riders to IHSA Regionals
Photo of SUNY Geneseo junior equestrian Sophia Azurin courtesy of geneseoknights.com
The Geneseo Equestrian team has begun their 2022-2023 season in impressive fashion yet again. Led by longtime coach Kim Sanford, each of their first four shows this year have resulted in a top five finish for the Knights and multiple riders qualifying for the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Regionals in early April. With more than half of the season to go, Geneseo looks to finish strong after their previous performances.
Their season began with three consecutive home shows, the first on Oct. 29. The season opener was a very impressive outing for junior Sophia Azurin, who earned two first place finishes. Their two wins were in both the Open Fences and Open Flat during the Saturday show. There were several other first place finishes for Geneseo: junior Kerrianne Alpin, sophomore Anna Schell, and senior Cadence Mannino all qualified for IHSA Regionals with dazzling performances. With hard-fought efforts from all, Geneseo finished third in their season opener.
The following show for the Knights was the very next day at Leg Up Stables in Geneseo. Senior Samantha Shepard earned the only blue ribbon for the Knights, with an impressive ride in the Intermediate Flat. Azurin had yet another notable performance with a pair of second-place finishes in Open Flat and Open Over Fences. Second-place finishes were also awarded to sophomore Chloe Newcomb in her pre-novice ride and senior Katelyn Briel for her novice flight. Contributions from all helped lead Geneseo to a fourth-place finish.
Saturday, Nov. 5 marked the Knights final home show of the year, in which they placed fourth. Katelyn Briel, Teresa Gutierrez, Cadence Mannino, and Samantha Shepard were all honored during the Geneseo Senior Day Show. Shepard led the charge with two first place finishes in the Limit Fences and Intermediate Flat. Freshman Madeline Predmore claimed second place in Limit Fences, and Mannino also finished second place in Limit Flat. Freshman Hailey Bilby also took second in her Introductory flight and graduate student Kristin Simon took third in Pre-Novice.
Sunday was the first show on the road for the Knights, and it was held in Cazenovia. Following an impressive performance the day prior, Samantha Shepard acquired yet another blue ribbon finish in Limit Over Fences, earning herself a qualifying spot to IHSA Regionals this spring. Katelyn Briel also took first place in her Novice flight and will be joining her two teammates at Regionals. Gutierrez gathered a second-place finish in her novice flight and Simon collected third in pre-novice. Alpin also took a third-place finish in Limit Over Fences to help push Geneseo to a fifth-place finish.
The season is far from over for the Knights, as they still have five more shows before IHSA Zones on Apr. 1. With no more home shows remaining, their next show will be at Cazenovia on Nov. 19, a two-hour drive for any Geneseo fans who wish to show some support for the riders. After a great start thus far, the Knights look to continue their success and cap off yet another great season.