The first English Intercollegiate horse show of the season for Zone 6, Region 1, was hosted by the University of Findlay on the weekend of October 26th and 27th. The two day show was filled with many exciting events between the battle of Lake Erie College and the University of Findlay. Both mornings started off with Chelsie Stair of Lake Erie College winning the open over fences class. From there Findlay and Lake Erie continued to compete back and forth to keep the lead. Lake Erie College seemed to dominate in the flat classes with eight consecutive blue ribbons. In the end the University of Findlay came out on top with 36 points on Saturday and 37 points on Sunday. Lake Erie College took reserve both days with 31 points on Saturday and 33 points on Sunday. Bowling Green State University, Kent State University and Tiffin College also managed to stay close behind.
Bob Cacchione, the founder of IHSA, joined us for this weekend’s competition. High Point rider, Alexis Barter of Lake Erie College, had the chance to meet with Cacchione as well as the whole winning team of the Findlay Oilers. The USEF/Cacchione Cup received its name in honor of Bob Cacchione. “The Cacchione Cup rider is an open rider with the most points collectively in jumping and the flat.” Chelsie Stair tells us. “I plan on being this year’s Cacchione Cup rider. That would be pretty cool” she says. Stair was champion of the open over fences classes both days and received second and third in open flat. But Stair isn’t the only one with high hopes this show season. The University of Findlay starts the year with a new coach, Russ Walther. Walther has been to IHSA nationals for four years and plans to take his team to victory this year as well.
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The University of Findlay Oilers and the Lake Erie College Storm will be the teams to watch this show season as they continue to compete this year. The next show will take place at the University of Finlay next weekend against the Western IHSA teams. Keep your eyes out for the English teams at the next show which will be held November 23, 2013 at Lake Erie College.
