Dartmouth Qualifies for NCEA Nationals for First Time in Program History

HANOVER, N.H. — After a historic regular season, the Dartmouth equestrian team has earned the No. 3 seed in the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) Single Discipline Championship, which will take place from April 18-20 at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. The Big Green finished the regular season with a 4-3 record, 3-1 against single discipline opponents, including a victory over semifinal opponent Sweet Briar.

Against Sweet Briar, the final score was tied at four, but Dartmouth was victorious due to a cumulative points edge of 632-619.

"This team has successfully navigated every challenge thus far, and we are working hard to be ready for April," said Dartmouth head coach Tenley Walsh. "The equestrian season can be a bit of a marathon. That said, I think we are riding at our best right now."

The winner of Dartmouth and Sweet Briar will face the winner of Lynchburg and Sewanee for the national championship. The Big Green faced Lynchburg this fall and fell, 6-2, but first-year Samantha Takacs fell just one point shy in both fences and on the flat.

Tackacs and fellow first-year Cassidy Exner were sensational all season, finishing tied for the most points this season (eight) and also tied for the most Most Outstanding Performance honors (three).

"It means a lot to represent Dartmouth for the first time at NCEA Nationals," said Walsh. "Right now, we are working on the small details to help this team reach its goals."

Schedules