MILL SPRING, N.C. -- Junior Jillian Steinmetz and sophomore Riley Gerardo placed sixth in their respective divisions at the 2024 IHSA National Championships over the weekend at the Tryon International Equestrian Center. 

Steinmetz, who made her first appearance at nationals, placed sixth in  Limit Equitation over Fences. Gerardo, also in her first collegiate nationals, was sixth in Intermediate Equation on the Flat. 

"Jillian has been consistent and strong all year and she continued that on the national stage going up against the top riders in her division from around the county," Cornell head coach Joanna Novakovic said. " Riley has also been one of our top riders all year and has grown so much, especially in her talents on the flat. 

At least one Cornell rider has placed in the top six in three straight IHSA National Championships.

"I was proud to be associated with both of our wonderful riders, who have had to win all year to get to this point and have now proven they are some of the best riders in the country in a collegiate sport that boasts more than 10,000 riders competing throughout the year," Novakovic said.