The 2019 Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) kicked off their National Championship at the New York State Fair Expo Center in Syracuse.
The first class of the day was Individual Open Equitation Over Fences, sponsored by Cazenovia College Equestrian Team and Cazenovia College, Adam Edgar earned the national championship with a score of 86. Fortune was shining on Edgar, a sophomore at Savannah College of Art and Design, when he drew Lucky, owned by Centenary University. The pair christened the Expo Center arena as the first round of the day.Lucky was the mount of Centenary University’s Michael Andrade, who recently won the American National Riding Commission National Championship, Edgar finished second.
Adam Edgar won the Individual Open Equitation. Photo by alcookphoto.com
“I was very excited because Mikey (Andrade) and I are always head to head,” said Edgar, 19, a sophomore from Leesburg, Virginia. “I’ve been able to watch him for two years now and he rides him beautifully. I tried to mirror that and just give it a soft ride. He (Lucky) was great, he couldn’t have been any better.”
Edgar explained that being the most physically and mentally prepared they could be helped offset any first-to-go jitters. The team works out with a personal trainer and does yoga. “I didn’t even think twice,” he said. “I just went in and picked up a canter and tried to do the best I could.”
Adam Edgar, SCAD Head Coach Ashley Henry, SCAD Assistant Coach Tatum Tatreau and
IHSA Executive Director Bob Cacchione. Photo by EQ Media
Andrade, a senior from Poughquag, New York, stepped up to win the Open Hunter Seat Equitation championship on the flat. His Centenary University teammate, Madison Myro, a freshman from Las Vegas, Nevada, earned the nod from the judges for the second-place prize. Edgar nabbed the third spot.
Andrade who majored in Equestrian Business Management qualified for the USEF/Cacchione Cup for the first time and hopes to perform well for his final season in the IHSA.
“There is no better way to teach yourself to ride than to ride lots of different horses and every single day,” said Andrade about the experience in the IHSA. “Catch-riding–it’s so beneficial for being adaptable. You’re not going to be great if you only ride one type. Of course, you have to be able to ride anything you can sit on to do well.”
Open on the flat winner Michael Andrade with Centenary University coaches Michael Dowling and Heather Clark and Bob Cacchione. Photo by EQ Media
Andrade has a job after graduation with top equitation trainer Andre Dignelli at the renowned Heritage Farm.
“We could not be happier to have two really hardworking riders in such a competitive class,” said co-coach of the Centenary University team, Michael Dowling. “First and second in amazing company! We are really grateful for the horses that were provided, which were outstanding. Both of our riders had outstanding draws that were fancy enough to win any competition. It’s a great last note for Mikey as he graduates and Madison is a very up-and-coming first-year student.