WATERBURY – Teikyo Post University finished fourth in a 10-team field at the Wesleyan University Intercollegiate Horse Show on September 30, 2000 at Windcrest Farm in Hebron, Connecticut.

It was the first equestrian competition of the season for TPU.  Stacey Beecham, a sophomore from Stratford, finished as the Reserve High Point Rider of Show by virtue of two first-place finishes in Novice Flat and Novice Fences. Heather Johnson, a freshman from Litchfield, also had a first place finish in a separate section of Novice Fences.

The team finished fourth with 29 points. Brown finished first overall with 36 points with Johnson & Wales came in second with 33. Wesleyan finished third overall with 32 points.

Teikyo Post had 17 different riders earn points during the competition. TPU has seen its equestrian program make great strides over the past three seasons. The growth is directly related to the expansion of the Equine Management program of studies at the college.

This past year, a record 28 new students enrolled in the program.

Carole Baker, director of the Equine Management curriculum, said, “This is the first year that the school has been able to provide its own barn and horses.  It has made all the difference.”

Students are encouraged to use the aisle to board personal horses, and practice at the facility in addition to taking classes and caring for the horses.

Carolyn Reed, Equestrian Coach, is encouraged by the promising start to the season.

 “We are competing against schools with much larger student populations,” she said. “Our students have always represented themselves well, but this season we have approached the competition more prepared and with much more confidence.”

Reed continued, “I look forward to a great year.”

Teikyo Post will travel to the University of Connecticut at Storrs on October 14, 2000 for its next contest.

TPU results:

Kathryn Asay – third in Advanced Walk/Trot/Canter.

Stacey Beecham – first in Novice Flat; first in Novice Fences; Reserve High Point rider.

Sara Blersch – sixth in Advanced Walk/Trot/Canter.

Jennifer Chesky – second in Advanced Walk/Trot/Canter.

Crystal Conklin – second in Walk/Trot.

Rebecca Dauphin – fourth in Novice Flat; sixth in Novice Fences.

Barbara Hueberger – fifth in Advanced Walk/Trot/Canter.

Heather Johnson – fourth in Intermediate Flat; first in Novice Fences.

Jenn June – fourth in Open Flat; fifth in Open Fences.

Andrea Pineo – fifth in Advanced Walk/Trot/Canter.

Amy Shaw – third in Intermediate Flat; fourth in Intermediate Fences.

Anna Skierkowska – second in Novice Flat; fifth in Novice Fences.

Jennifer Sokol – second in Novice Flat

RoseAnne Spallone – second in Open Flat.

Dyan Sullivan – third in Novice Flat; fifth in Novice Fences.

Jennifer Taylor – fourth in Novice Flat.

Tracy Trovato – third in Novice Fences.