Dartmouth Falls Just Short Despite Valiant Effort at NCEA Championship

Friday, April 19

Ocala, Fla. / World Equestrian Center

2:00 PM

Dartmouth College

Sweet Briar (Semifinals)

Photo by: Justin Lafleur

Dartmouth Falls Just Short Despite Valiant Effort at NCEA Championship

4/19/2024 9:21:00 PM | Equestrian

Results (PDF)

Cassidy Exner accounted for two of the Big Green’s four points for the meet

By: Justin Lafleur

OCALA, Fla. — At its first-ever NCEA National Championship, the third-seeded Dartmouth equestrian team put forth an impressive effort, but fell just short to second-seeded Sweet Briar, 6-4 on Friday at the World Equestrian Center. The Big Green actually finished with an edge in cumulative score (766.51 to 745.0), but the Vixens pulled out all six of their wins by six points or fewer to come out victorious.

"We had a great day," said Dartmouth head coach Tenley Walsh. "Really came out and rode hard. It was down to the wire at the very end. Really proud of the whole team and all the work they put in to be here (at nationals) this year."

First-year Cassidy Exner won both her points — in the flat (75 to 71) and over fences (75.67 to 66.67), capping off a sensational rookie season.

Fellow first-year Samantha Takacs, a second team All-American, won her point on the flat (79.67 to 72.33). Over fences riding Sampson, she fell just one point short of Sweet Briar's Emmy Longest, who won 81.67 to 80.67.

"I'm so excited that we got to be here this year," said Takacs. "I'm super grateful for this awesome facility and all the amazing horses. I'm really excited to come back next year and give it another shot."

After the flat, the Big Green trailed 3-2 before Exner's point over fences evened the score at three. However, Sweet Briar captured three of the final four points, with Dartmouth's other point coming from senior Rachel Freer riding Cento (83.50 to 59.33).

Junior Chloe Terestchenko had a strong showing as well riding Klaus, posting a score of 81.0, but Sweet Briar's Naomi Dachis' score of 83.67 took the point.

The Big Green end a stellar 2023-24 season at 4-4 overall, which included their first-ever appearance at the NCEA National Championship.

"This was our first time here, so there's a lot we can take away," said Walsh. "We've learned so much. Beautiful venue; thank you to all the schools who brought horses to make it possible. We're going to start working as soon as we get home to prep and be ready for next year."