From Rochester, Illinois, USMA freshman Emylee Darneille is one of three open western riders to have shown in Region 1 IHSA competition through November 2nd.

A DOWN-HOME AND FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE WHEN USMA HOSTS WESTERN

Highland Falls, NY - Western shows at the United States Military Academy have got to have the friendliest, down home feeling any horse show can have. And that’s due to USMA’s coaches Sherri and Peter Cashman who like to keep it that way. It was no different at the November 2nd show held at USMA’s Morgan Farm. Breakfast is typically brought by Stevens Institute of Technology and lunch is provided by USMA. Any other contributions are always welcome. It’s just the way things are out in the country; USMA country that is. But don’t mistake the level of competition that is brought to every show.

Let’s start with the two current team leaders: USMA and Centenary College. They go head on each show with one team beating the other from show to show. Currently USMA holds the lead but only by 10 points (168 to 158). With one show to go (potentially in early 2009, and perhaps hosted by Stevens) anything can happen. On the other hand, newcomer Sacred Heart University is in fourth place, pushing against Stevens (Stevens at an even 100 points, Sacred Heart at 73). Stevens currently has a big lead but looking at SHU’s individual placings, they could dominate next year if they add on riders in all divisions. The same goes for Stevens, if riders become more consistent. Stevens’ new coach, Karl Bauer, plans to make it happen.

Open riders are surely one friendly small group of ladies. It’s always a pleasure watching the camraderie. There have only been three of them this season but there is plenty to watch as they compete in reining and horsemanship. The current leader is Centenary Captain Randi Cashman with 59 points. Emylee Darneille of USMA is second with 50 points and behind her is Jamie Fishbein, Captain of Stevens with 44 points. Here’s another class to watch next year.

Alumni riders are well represented at USMA shows. Peggy Leonowich-Graham now has the lead with 20 points but Lauren Napoli-Green from Manhattanville College is on her tail with 18 points. Right behind her is another Manhattanville graduate, Cheryl Maloney, with 17 points and Lana Ciaramella, from the American University, is at 12 points making it a close call. USMA graduate Pam Leonowich, who is Peggy's sister, holds nine points (all the points listed are for the Alumni Western Horsemanship or Rail division; Region 1 has not yet held any alumni reining classes during the 2008-09 season - Editor).

The shows held on November 2nd presented some great competitors. USMA dominated the Walk-Jog class with Sean Flynn in the lead, and Matt Gillett pointing out. Intermediate Horsemanship has several challengers as Sacred Heart’s Casey Marino showed strong as well as Lauren Bender of Centenary followed by Karen Larsen of USMA. Colleen Booth of Sacred Heart and Nic Walker, USMA were dominant in Novice. Kelly Arvidson, Centenary and Raquel Rascon, USMA were neck to neck in Advanced.

Like I said, if Stevens can hold the show they’ve been promising, anything can happen. Zone 2, Region 1 has some pretty close numbers both individually and team. Who’s coming out on top? Let’s hope we’re all coming out in February to take a look. Sorry, no betting permitted.

---Janice Fishbein