Goucher's Lead at 65 Points with Two Shows To Go

OATLAND, Md. — Goucher closed in on a fifth straight IHSA Zone IV Region I title by scoring 40 points at a riding show conducted today at The Other Left Farm.

Goucher entered the show with a commanding 50-point lead over George Washington in the 2015-16 region standings, and the 40 points the Gophers earned today not only made them the high point team, but also extended the cushion they have over their closest pursuer in the region to 65 points.

There are only two more Zone IV Region I shows remaining in 2015-16, the first of which will take place on February 13, once again at The Other Left Farm.

Goucher produced the reserve high point rider at today's show. That distinction went to Anna Carmichael (Colorado Springs, Colo./William J. Palmer), who was awarded first place in intermediate equitation over fences and intermediate equitation on the flat.

Ashley Bent (Phoenixville, Pa./Phoenixville Area), who was Goucher's point rider in the open division, took first place in the flat phase and third in the jumping phase, securing 11 points toward the team's total. She also remained in first place in the region's 2015-16 high point rider standings, one point ahead of teammate Cary Hundley (Ellicott City, Md./Marriotts Ridge), who picked up red ribbons for second-place performances in both phases of open equitation.

Hundley also qualified to compete in open flat at the Zone IV Region I Championships in April.

Three Goucher riders earned blue ribbons today in novice flat: Clea Lerner (Los Angeles, Calif./Renaissance Arts Academy), Erika Scott (Stonington, Conn./The Williams School) and Maia Miller (Seattle, Wash./Roosevelt).

Kate Matthews (Concord, Mass./Concord-Carlisle) took first place in walk-trot-canter.

The next event of Goucher's 2015-16 riding schedule is the IHSA Holiday Tournament of Champions in Long Valley, N.J. on Dec. 5.