March 25, 2004

FAIRFIELD, CT - The spring show season has been an exciting time for members of the Sacred Heart equestrian team. Coming off of a strong fall season which saw the team in 2nd place, the riders have continued to work to stay atop the standings and have qualified for post-season competition.

Individually, the riders have had their own share of accomplishments. At the February 29th Yale University Horse Show, it was a pair of SHU riders earning requisite points to qualify for the Zone 3, Region 1 Championship Horse Show. Emily Grayson became the first Sacred Heart undergraduate to earn a trip into the 2004 post-season. A 4th place finish in Open Flat gave her 30 points on the flat and the chance to improve on her 2003 accomplishments (a 2nd at Regionals and a 4th at Zones). Not to be outdone, freshman Crystal Taylor continued her winning ways in Intermediate Flat with a first place finish. In six outings, Taylor never placed lower than 2nd.

On March 14th it was the duo of Captain Kate Janczak and senior Lauren O'Connell earning their trips to Regionals. This will be Janczak's first time competing at Regionals in Open Flat. Last year she finished the year as the Regional Reserve High Point Rider and Reserve Champion in Open over Fences. O'Connell, mimicking Janczak's 2nd place finish earlier in the day, finished her time in Walk/Trot with 36 points. She will be making her first appearance in the IHSA post season this year.

Jessica Reynolds became the 5th SHU rider to qualify for Regionals following the Nassau Community College Horse Show. In a stellar first season that has seen finishes all above 4th place in Novice Flat, Reynolds became the second freshman to qualify for the post season.

Continuing to build on her undergraduate accomplishments, Sacred Heart alumna Kristine Brackenridge ('03) currently leads the Zone 3, Region 1 Alumni Flat standings. Overall, she stands 3rd in the Alumni Standings with 24 riders on the list. Last year, Brackenridge won Class 7 (Open Equitation on the Flat) at Regionals and went on to finish 3rd at Zones.

The 2004 IHSA Zone 3, Region 1 Championship Horse Show will be held at Sacred Heart's home training facility, Fox Ridge Farm in Newtown, CT. Riders placing first or second in their classes will be invited to compete at the 2004 IHSA Zone 3 Championship Horse Show on April 9.