ROCHESTER, N.Y. – In its final shows of the fall campaign, the Cornell equestrian team found success just as it has all season, being named the Reserve Champion on Saturday, Nov. 16 and finishing third overall on Sunday, Nov. 17 in a pair of shows hosted by Nazareth in Rochester, N.Y.
The improvement of the Cornell equestrian team as the season has progressed is evidenced by the number of riders that have pointed out of their divisions over the course of the past several shows. This past weekend, Kate Wagner, Jada Davis, and Katherine Caracappa all made their debuts in new divisions. Wagner made her first appearance in intermediate flat, and Davis and Caracappa moved up to intermediate fences. Jenna Toor also moved up a division following Cornell's last home show, as she will now compete in the pre-novice category.
Following the pair of shows this weekend, Caracappa also pointed out of intermediate flat and will move up to open flat when the season resumes in February. She was joined by Haley Harder, who pointed out of intermediate fences and into open fences. Lucia Younger and Emma Cameron moved up a division as well, as Younger is now in intermediate fences and Cameron is in novice equitation.
Hunter Wilkinson had a big moment of her own over the weekend, competing in limit fences for the first time of her career after recording strong performances all fall in limit flat.
SATURDAY RESULTS
Five individual first-place finishes fueled the Big Red equestrian team to the title of Reserve Champion at the show on Saturday. Lena Reeb got Cornell off to a hot start, placing first in open fences and second in open flat. Jada Davis represented the Big Red well in intermediate flat, taking first place.
Competing in limit fences for the first time of her career, Hunter Wilkinson got the best result that she could have asked for, winning her class. Liza Pacchiana and Hannah Braun picked up wins of their own in their respective divisions, as Pacchiana placed first in limit flat and Braun finished first in introductory equitation. Pacchiana also added a third place finish in limit fences.
Several other Big Red riders recorded top-three finishes on Saturday to help Cornell to the team title. Alexandra Miranda placed second in limit flat, while Kate Wagner and Katherine Caracappa notched a pair of third place finishes in their intermediate flat classes.
SUNDAY RESULTS
New and familiar faces captured individual event wins for the Big Red on Sunday. Hunter Wilkinson continued her fantastic weekend, picking up her second win in two days after placing first in limit flat. Liza Pacchiana and Jada Davis came through for Cornell once again, winning their limit flat and intermediate flat classes, respectively, for the second straight day. Hannah Braun continued to dominate in introductory equitation, notching yet another victory.
Elizabeth Koman, Catherine Thrasher, and Emma Cameron stepped up for the Big Red on Sunday, all notching a win. Koman won her limit fences class, Thrasher won her novice equitation class, and Cameron emerged victorious in pre-novice equitation.
As a team, Cornell dominated in limit fences, tallying five top-three finishes. In addition to Koman's victory, Alexandra Miranda and Hunter Wilkinson each finished second and Stephanie Introne and Kate Wagner both placed third.
The Big Red also had two student-athletes in addition to Davis place in intermediate flat, as Katherine Caracappa finished second and Wagner placed third.
Other top-three finishes on the day include Lena Reeb in open flat (second), Lucia Younger in limit flat (second), Lara Carr in novice equitation (second), and Isabel Hall (third) and Caracappa (third) in intermediate fences.
UP NEXT
The Big Red equestrian team will resume competition on Saturday, Feb. 15 when it competes in a show at Alfred University in Alfred, N.Y.
