Equestrian Team Launches 8th Season at Mississippi College

MC equestrian team rider Katherine Mooney. She's a senior from Jackson.

Competing against bigger schools like Georgia, Alabama, LSU and Mississippi State, the Mississippi College equestrian team kicks off its 8^th season as one of the best in the South.

Strong leadership from MC seniors like Katherine Moody of Jackson, Kristina Bordulis of Orlando, Florida and Hailey Elder of Texas should help the team bring home lots of ribbons during the 2014-15 season.

Following an October 11 scrimmage with LSU, the MC riders travel to the University of Georgia for their first Intercollegiate Horse Show Association tournament of the new campaign Oct. 18-19.

The team’s home, Providence Hill Farm, its riders and speedy horses like Hale Bopp bring star power. The movie “A Gift Horse,” was filmed at the 2,000-acre Central Mississippi farm in June. The film features Bopp, who plays a horse named Misty, and showcases student riders as well as Mississippi College equestrian coaches Tina Davey and Leah Katynski.

The movie tells the story of a 10-year-old girl, Amanda, who gets comfort from her horse as she copes with the death of her mother. Actor John Schneider of TV’s “Dukes of Hazzard” fame and actress Kyla Kenedy, 11, of the AMC hit “The Walking Dead,” are the stars.

Hollywood movie crews would be impressed with the wonderful story line about Mississippi College’s talented equestrian team. It’s a close-knit family of riders.

Thrilled to jump hurdles with her favorite horse, Katherine Moody, 22, says she’s acquired valuable lessons from her years on the squad.

“I have learned the importance of team work, dedication and working together for a common goal,” says Katherine, a biology major and psychology minor.

“It has been awesome watching this team develop, and I am so grateful for this opportunity to be part of it. We have some fantastic newcomers that have so much potential.”

This fall and spring, 16 riders are competing, including five freshmen and five sophomores. They come from nine states, including Mississippi, Alabama, California, New Jersey, Ohio, Illinois and Oregon. A junior from Brandon and Northwest Rankin High graduate, Winston Franklin is the only man on the squad.

The MC students spend lots of hours in practices at Providence Hill Farm, a 20-minute drive from the Clinton campus.

Getting a break from classes at the Baptist-affiliated university has been a blessing for Kristina Bordulis, whether she trots around Providence Hill Farm or at Southern horse shows.

“It is so peaceful and stress relieving,” says Kristina, a 21-year-old public relations major. “One important thing I have gotten out of the team is the friendships. Some of my best friends ride with me.”

Last year, “we had a great season and we were fortunate to beat many of the big schools,” she said. “We have gained respect in our (IHSA) zone. I’m excited to see how the season will turn out.”

When their final season ends for the trio of MC seniors, don’t expect them to get very far away from the world of horses.

“I plan on still coming out to the barn to ride whenever I can,” Kristina said. “It is still such a passion and hobby of mine.”

Her teammate, Katherine Mooney, echoes those sentiments. “Horses have been a part of my life for so long,” she said. “It is hard to imagine life without them.”

For more information, contact Coach Tina Davey at cdavey@mc.edu or 601-925-3809.