Fresno State’s equestrian team began its spring season with a scrimmage and competition Saturday afternoon at the Student Horse Center.
The Bulldogs’ hunt seat team competed against the USC Trojans, while their Western team competed in an inner-squad scrimmage.
In the first match for the hunt seat team, the ‘Dogs and Trojans went head to head in equitation over fences. Freshman Sierra Swaffer led the ‘Dogs with a match-high score of 82, taking the point for her team.
“I rode every moment to itself, and I was able to perfect each jump,” Swaffer said.
In the next match, equitation on the flat, sophomore Lauren Kovanda and freshmen Paige Pastorino and Sierra Swaffer took three points for the Dogs, while the Trojans were only able to secure one.
The ‘Dogs hunt seat team beat the Trojans, 6-4. Senior Gianna Armanino took home a most outstanding player award for the ‘Dogs in over fences, while Trojans’ Corinne Cochran received one for her performance on the flat.
On the other side of the fences, the Western team faced off against each other in their Blue versus Red scrimmage that ended in a tie.
The Western team performed well in the horsemanship match with three high scores of 72.5. Freshman Taylor Dixon, received a most outstanding player award in that category.
Both teams tied in the reigning match. Fresno State’s Hailey Robinson scored a match-high score of 71.5 and Ally Frias took home a most outstanding player award.
The ‘Dogs will be on the road Feb. 20-21 to take on Minnesota-Crookston and fellow conference member South Dakota State University.
“We are really looking forward to pressing on our big finish [from] fall semester,” Fresno State head coach Eric Hubbard said. “We want to continue that energy and bring all of that with us as we travel on the road to South Dakota State next month. [We want to] bring that energy and that focus to that competition.”
Home field advantage will be a big part of the ‘Dogs season with all but one competition happening at home.
“The home advantage is huge in our sport because we get to ride our horses all the time, so the other school comes in not knowing our horses,” Hubbard said. “I’m very happy to be home twice in March.”
The ‘Dogs will host Texas Christian University and the University of Georgia when they return home on March 6-7.