LOGAN TOWNSHIP, NJ – The Alfred University western equestrian team finished sixth at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Western Semi Finals on Sunday as both Ally Dann (Orchard Park, NY/Orchard Park) and Samantha Smit (Columbiana, OH/Ursuline) earned trips to Nationals in Mill Spring, NC in May.
 
Smit will represent the Saxons in Individual Level II Horsemanship while Dann will compete in Individual Levell II Ranch Riding. Dann finished third in the event on Saturday to punch her ticket to Nationals. Smit claimed fourth place on Sunday to extend her season to IHSA Nationals. She finished fifth in Individual Ranch Riding on Saturday, narrowly missing out in competing in Nationals in that event as well.
 
The Saxons finished ahead of University of Florida in the team rankings between both days while the AU horse, Kody was awarded the prestigious American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Horse of the Show.
 
Saturday:
Individual Reining:
Emma Suplicki- Honorable Mention
 
Individual Rookie Horsemanship:
Lauren Mandel - Honorable Mention
 
Team Rookie Horsemanship:
Megan Wilson - 7th
 
Team Beginner Horsemanship:
Brielle Ross - Reserve Champion
 
Individual Ranch Riding:
Ally Dann - 3rd (Advances to Nationals)
Samantha Smit - 5th
 
Individual Beginner Horsemanship:
Amber Neumann - Honorable Mention
 
Sunday:
Team Reining:
Emma Suplicki - 7th
 
Team Level II Horsemanship:
Emily Peluso - 6th
 
Individual Level I Horsemanship, Finals:
Emily Peluso - Finalist
 
Team Level I Horsemanship:
Lauren Mandel - 4th
 
Individual Level II, Finals:
Samantha Smit - 4th (Advances to Nationals)
Ally Dann - 7th
 
Team Ranch Riding:
Brooke Boyko - 4th
 
Team Open Horsemanship:
Emma Suplicki - 7th
 
AQHA High Point Rider (Top 5 to Nationals):
Emma Suplicki - 7th place overall
 
Team Competition Results (Top 4 to Nationals):
Champion: St. Andrews University
Res. Champion: Delaware Valley University
3rd- SUNY Oswego
4th - Wilmington College
5th - Mount Holyoke College
6th - Alfred University
7th - University of Florida
 
Dann and Smit will begin training for IHSA Nationals in Tryon, NC on Friday, May 2 until Sunday, May 4.