Carmichael Starts Gophers Out with Two Points

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Anna Carmichael (Colorado Springs, Colo./William J. Palmer) was up first for Goucher today in the Collegiate Cup Hunter Seat competition at the 2014 IHSA National Horse Show.

In a similar position as a freshman just one year ago, Carmichael collected seven points for the Gophers by earning the highest score from the judge in novice equitation over fences. The seven points put them, at least temporarily, in sole possession of first place.

Fast forward to this year and once again Carmichael was Goucher's representative in novice fences — and once again she did her job by placing fifth in her class, which was worth two points toward Goucher's overall team score.

Two more classes in the Collegiate Cup were conducted today at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, but the Gophers were unable to add to their point total. They will head into the second day of competition in eighth place with their two points.

Three teams have moved to the head of the pack: Centenary (N.J.) sits in first place with 14 points, Savannah Art & Design is two points back in second place and Delaware Valley is alone in third with 11 points.

Novice equitation on the flat, Carmichael's second class, was the next to be contested and she placed ninth overall. After that, it was Alison Radgowski (Northport, N.Y./Northport) attempting to gain some points for Goucher in intermediate flat, but her performance was awarded an honorable mention.

Radgowksi will be up first for Goucher in the team competition on Friday, going in intermediate fences. After that, Kaili Janette (New Haven, Conn./Hebrew High School of New England) goes in walk-trot followed by Sarah Lummis (Westminster, Md./Winters Mill) in walk-trot-canter.

The two Goucher riders who qualified for nationals in an individual class were also in action today. Joey Fink (Baltimore, Md./The Park School) competed in the open division, placing fifth overall in the flat phase and sixth in the jumping phase. Moriah Patashnik (Seattle, Wash./The Northwest School) was one of six riders who were awarded honorable mentions in novice fences.