STILLWATER, Okla. – The Oklahoma State equestrian team defeated the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs, 13-10, at Animal Science Arena Saturday.
“I am very proud of the way we rode today, especially of our seniors,” coach Larry Sanchez said. “Georgia is a very good team and are well coached. I look forward to seeing them again at Nationals.”
Seniors highlighted the day, winning four head-to-head points and two MVPs in their final competition in Stillwater.
The western team continued to roll as they cruised to an 8-3 win. It was their seventh team victory of the season. Senior Caroline Daniels led the Pokes with a 73-70.5 win in reining, earning MVP honors. Fellow senior Rachel Houchin picked up a 72.5-69 victory, and Katy Krshka and Christy McElreath added points to secure a 4-1 victory.
Marissa Dalton rode her way to a 74-73 win and an MVP in horsemanship. She was joined by senior Mamie Tomlin, who won her head-to-head matchup, 72.5-66.5. Krshka picked up her second win of the afternoon and Lauren Halvorson added a 71.5-70 win to give the Pokes a 4-2 win.
The Cowgirls tied Georgia in equitation on the flat in the third event of the day, 3-3. Senior Jordan White rolled to an 83-70 win, giving her MVP honors. Ali Rose won her head-to-head, 82-70, and Ellie Sparks picked up a 75-68 victory.
Allie Joyce gave the Cowgirls their fourth MVP of the day with her 84-81 win in equitation over fences. Samantha Harrison added an 82-77 win, but the Pokes fell 4-2 in the discipline.
With the win, Oklahoma State has now defeated seven of the top 10 teams in the nation.
The Cowgirls improved to 7-4 on the season. They will be back in action when they travel to Manhattan, Kan., to take on the seventh-ranked Kansas State Wildcats next weekend in the regular season finale.