Junior Annette Bangert Leads WC Equestrian Team To First Nationals

Inaugural Year For Equestrian Club And Team

Chestertown, MD, May 8, 2002 — Washington College junior Annette Bangert has led the newly formed Washington College Equestrian Team to its first Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) National Championship. Representing the best in Zone 3, Bangert competed against 16 riders from around the nation and placed fourth in the Hunt Seat Equitation Division at the 2002 Championship held May 4, 2002, at Cazenovia College in Cazenovia, NY.

"The IHSA has many different levels of competition, so that every rider, regardless of skill level, can participate," said Bangert, who hails from Germany and is majoring in art at the College. "I rode in Individual Walk/Trot, which is the beginner class. It was a big class—the two best riders from each of the eight IHSA zones in the country. I was very proud to represent Washington College and such a young team against other schools that have been competing for years."

Bangert's showing received fourth in her class in the nation. Coach Sandy Griffiths, who calls her team "the Cool Running of the Eastern Shore," is confident that the club is poised to become one of the top teams in the region.

"This is a significant accomplishment," said Griffiths. "During the season, our team was up against schools that had been fielding riders for years and never sent anyone to the Nationals. For Washington College to have achieved this in its first year is really something to brag about. I am very proud of the team's performance this year."
Bangert's showing received fourth in her class in the nation. Coach Sandy Griffiths, who calls her team "the Cool Running of the Eastern Shore," is confident that the club is poised to become one of the top teams in the region."The IHSA has many different levels of competition, so that every rider, regardless of skill level, can participate," said Bangert, who hails from Germany and is majoring in art at the College. "I rode in Individual Walk/Trot, which is the beginner class. It was a big class—the two best riders from each of the eight IHSA zones in the country. I was very proud to represent Washington College and such a young team against other schools that have been competing for years."

Washington College riders in IHSA competition finished the season in sixth place for the region, beating many larger and more established programs such as the University of Pennsylvania, Gettysburg College, Arcadia University, Bryn Mawr College, Haverford College and Temple University. More than half of the team advanced to the Regional Championships and all finished in the ribbons. Qualifying for regional competition were Morgan Baker, a sophomore from Centreville, MD; Katie Lerner, a freshman from Silver Spring, MD; Lauren Marini, a senior from Mullica Hill, NJ; and Christine Solle, a junior from Maplewood, NJ. Marini garnered High Point Champion at the Delaware Valley Show and Reserve High Point Champion at Field of Dreams in Chesterfield, NJ on March 3, 2003. Baker was Reserve High Point Champion at the Briarwood Show in Reddington, NJ, on February 24, 2002.

Overall, the Washington College Equestrian Team with just eight riders tallied 188 points throughout the season, finishing behind first place powerhouse, the University of Delaware, which fielded 90 riders and finished the season with 316 points.

The Washington College Equestrian Club is open to all students, regardless of riding ability, and competes in Region 2, Zone 3 of the IHSA, which encompasses schools from Maryland, Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania, and parts of Connecticut, New Jersey and West Virginia.

Students do not need to own their own horse to be a member—several lease horses are available and students practice on horses provided by Airy Hill Stables outside of Chestertown. Mounts in IHSA competitions are drawn by lots and provided by the show hosts. Students in the club can also participate in educational field trips, monthly trail rides and riding lessons. In addition to competing in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, the Washington College Equestrian Team raises funds for the club by "foalwatching" mares at Thornmar Farm in Kent County. This special opportunity ensures that club members get hands-on experience in the thoroughbred breeding industry working with nationally regarded equine reproduction veterinarian, Dr. Thomas H. Bowman, a five-time Washington College parent.