The UC San Diego equestrian team started off the season strong with top finishes at the USD Huntseat show at Sweetwater Farms. On Saturday, junior Jenni Ryan took first place while junior Taylor Coe finished fifth in the Open Fences division. In Intermediate Fences, freshman Carin Stevens finished in fifth place at her first show. Sophomore Sarah Simpson added a first place win in Novice Fences. In Open flat, Jenni Ryan took fifth place. Sarah Simpson rode to third place in Intermediate flat, and senior Jenny O’Hara finished in fourth place in Novice flat. Sophomore Kari Potter also took fourth place in the Walk Trot Canter division and Freshman Keren Ben-Moshe finished an impressive sixth in the Walk Trot division for her first horse show ever.

The team improved on Sunday, starting off with a bang in the Open Fences division. Both Taylor Coe and Jenni Ryan made it into the finals for the top four with flawless rides. UC San Diego stole first and second places, with Coe receiving the blue and Ryan the red. Sophomore Valerie Conner brought in more team points taking second place in Intermediate Fences. In Novice Fences, Sarah finished in fifth place with senior and co-captain Kerry Fugett close behind in sixth place. Jenni put in another good ride in Open Flat for a second place finish in that division as well. Senior and co-captain Kimia Nozari finished fifth place in Intermediate Flat facing tough competition, while in Novice Flat sophomore Natalie Covate rode to fourth place in her first IHSA show and senior Jenny O’Hara finished in sixth.