Caroline H. '14 earns Champion and Reserve Champion honors at IEA Nationals!

"Comeback Kid" wins Varsity Intermediate flat class and finishes second over fences

Junior Caroline H., who missed an entire year of riding because of a broken arm that just wouldn't heal right, capped her triumphant return to the ring over the weekend by earning National Champion honors in the Varsity Intermediate flat and Reserve National Champion over fences at the Interscholastic Equestrian Association National Finals, held in Syracuse, NY. 

Caroline was one of just two riders among the 40 competing at the Varsity Intermediate level to have qualifed for both classes, a remarkable achievement. She did so by competing well at regular-season "point" shows and then sweeping both events at the Regional Finals and again the Zone Finals. Caroline's awesome performance at Nationals extends a tradition started by Mckenzie Canard '12, who was Reserve National Champion in the Varsity Open flat and fourth in the invitation-only Varsity Open Championship last year.
The Interscolastic Equestrian Association (IEA) is modeled on the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) and is the largest competitive riding program for youth with over 5,000 student-riders on hundreds of teams across North America. Its Hunt Seat competition format tests a rider’s technical skills and correctness of position while catch-riding an unfamiliar horse in equitation classes both on the flat and over fences. Foxcroft has competed in the IEA for just three years and sent a rider to Nationals each time.

Competing against 20 riders over fences on Friday morning, Caroline rode a grey gelding named Arrow, who coincidentally helped Mckenzie to a fourth-place finish in the Varsity Open Championship class last year. Like his name, Arrow traveled true and straight as Caroline guided him to a beautiful and calm trip good for second place honors.

"Arrow has done right by Foxcroft for two years in a row now," said Director of Riding Kate Worsham, who trains Caroline. "We gave him a lot of extra love after Caroline finished her round."

In the afternoon, Caroline competed in the semifinals for her flat class. Out of 20 riders who qualified to show at Nationals in this class, only eight were called back after their semifinal rides to compete in the final Saturday. Caroline’s performance was especially impressive because her semifinal horse was young and a bit less experienced than the other horses in the arena. Caroline had to simultaneously help the mare stay focused and impress the judges. She did just that, riding tactfully and with style to earn a place in the Final.

Caroline drew a very large warmblood/pinto cross horse named Bo for the Flat Final Saturday. Bo was a delight to ride and Caroline bonded with him immediately. She had him performing accurately and willingly throughout her ride to earn the top spot -- and a National Champion title.

“Caroline rode thoughtfully, purposefully, and with elegance the entire weekend," said Worsham. "I could not have asked for anything more from her. As her father noted while watching her compete, she has matured tremendously as a rider and performs with a quiet determination and focus which is truly admirable.

"Caroline is a natural rider who uses her feel and educated technique to read each horse that she rides in order to help them perform confidently and successfully," continued Worsham. "These attributes are what make her so adept at the catch-riding format that is the hallmark of the IEA competitions. I am quite proud of Caroline’s accomplishments and am looking forward to helping her achieve her future riding goals.”
 
Caroline will move up into the Varsity Open division in the IEA next season and will also pursue aspirations of competing in more 3’ Medal classes and finals throughout the fall at regular horse shows.

Caroline's performance caps off a terrific year of athletics for the youngster from Paris, KY. After breaking her arm in a fall from a horse in the fall of 2011, she had surgery because it wasn't healing correctly and could not ride or play sports for virtually the entire school year. She returned this fall, healthy and hungry, and worked hard to excel, both in the riding ring and on the basketball court.

In February, she was named First Team All-Delaney Athletic Conference in basketball and earned Team MVP honors -- the same week that she won the IEA Regional Finals titles to advance to Zones. In early March, she traveled to the Chatham, VA, for the Zone 3 Finals and earned her trip to Nationals with outstanding rides.
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An all-girls boarding and day school in Northern Virginia, Foxcroft prepares young women in grades 9-12 for success in college and in life. Our outstanding academic program offers challenging courses, including Advanced Placement classes and an innovative STEM program. Our premiere equestrian program is nationally recognized, and our athletic teams have won conference and state championships. Experience the best in girls' boarding schools: visit Foxcroft.