MARTIN, Tenn. — Sweet Briar's NCEA team picked up its first win in equitation on the flat on Thursday, while sophomore Katie Balding earned Most Outstanding Performance honors on the flat in the Vixens' neutral site meet against South Dakota State at the Ned McWherter Agricultural Complex.

The Jackrabbits earned the overall hunt seat victory 6-3, after a strong showing over fences.

Sweet Briar's first victory of the season on the flat came with a 3-2 score, following three season best rides by Sweet Briar's point scorers. 

The first rider on the flat for Sweet Briar was senior Emily Schlosberg (Fairfax, Va.) who rode Frappe to a score of 85, which earned her a win and a team point over Jacey Chorlton. Riding Frappe, Chorlton posted an 80 on the flat.

Balding (Williamsburg, Va.), the second Sweet Briar rider to compete on the flat, earned Most Outstanding Performance by picking up an 88-86 victory over Matilyn Skinner on Maximus. 

The second round of equitation on the flat saw Sweet Briar sophomore Lily Peterson (Ashland, Va.) notch the highest score of the day with an 89, while riding Dawson. Peterson rode Dawson against Claire Garduno, who scored an 84 on the flat. Peterson's 89 on the flat is the highest score by a Sweet Briar rider this season on the flat or over fences.

Entering Thursday, Sweet Briar had only posted two scores of 70 or higher on the flat before posting three scores above 80 on the flat against the Jackrabbits.

First-year riders, Britt Larson-Jackson (Washington, D.C.) and Maggie Fraley (White Haven, Pa.) scored a 67 and 62 on the flat, respectively.

Over fences, South Dakota State picked up the 4-0 win with a tie coming in the third slot for each team as Sydney House and Fraley both rode Wizard to matching scores of 55.

Peterson was the Vixens' top scorer over fences, scoring a 79 on Castello. Peterson's opponent, Alexa Maiello scored an 81 and earned Most Outstanding Performer over fences.

Sweet Briar returns to action at the Ned McWherter Agricultural Complex on Friday against Tennessee-Martin.

Equitation over Fences

Equitation on the Flat