Megan Piermarini Competes in Nationals

Delaware, OH--Endicott sent its first competitor to the National Championship Horse Show and the Equestrian Team declared that it won't be the last. Junior Megan Piermarini qualified to ride in the Novice Equitation over Fences class, missing a ribbon by only 1/2 point.

Nationals were held at Eden Park Equestrian Center in Delaware, Ohio. Featuring a large indoor arena, the facility has room for the 80 + horses brought to the premises from colleges and barns around the country.

There are more than 300 member colleges in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). The institutions are divided into 29 regions in 9 zones, and Endicott participates in Zone 1, Region 4. More than 6500 riders from 45 states and Canada participate in Hunt Seat Equitation. Classes at Nationals are large, with 18 in each class. Riders were assigned a horse they have never ridden and must compete against the top riders in the country.

Riders qualify for the NCHS through a point system. During the year, contestants accumulate points at local shows to qualify for the Regional Finals in their respective division. The top three in each class of the Regional Finals move forward to Zone Finals. The top two competitors in each class at Zones qualify for Nationals.

Megan, Coach Stephanie Andreottola and Advisor Susan Koso went to Nationals. They were not alone as Megan's mother, father and aunt come along as did team members Beth Prussman, Liz Duboc and Karissa Bonner. The experience was a good one, with many things learned, many laughs and memories and a ferocious resolve to return to Nationals next year.