MC Equestrian Team Rider Among Nation's Best
"I feel that the trip to the Nationals was a great life experience," Guider said after recently returning to the Clinton campus. "I am very confident with my ride and the end results."
The 20-year-old business student from Utica landed in the fourth spot among 18 riders competing during the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association's national event. Earlier this month, Guider earned her spot in the nationals in California with first-place showings in ISHA regional and zone matches.
The first-place winner in Los Angeles was Kristin Putnam of St. Lawrence University in New York. Rachel Besch of Berry College in Georgia finished second, followed by Billie Taft of Skidmore College in New York, and then Guider. Cary Smith of Bridgewater College in Virginia came in fifth.
"Meredith rode well," said Mandi Callaway Powers, the coach of the first-year MC equestrian team. "She had a tough horse and placed 4th out of the 18. She did great! We are very proud of her."
Guider transferred to MC last fall from Virginia Intermont College where she was a top-notch rider. During the Los Angeles competition, she nosed out Virginia Intermont College rider Jennifer Kelly, who finished in sixth place. Riders from colleges in Ohio, California, Pennsylvania and Texas rounded out the top ten.
MC's home base for the new varsity sport is the sprawling Providence Hill Farm in Madison and Hinds counties, a 15-minute drive from the Clinton campus. MC's equestrian team consisted of women for their first season. But that may change. Mississippi College athletic officials are working out details to open the door for men to be part of the squad for the second season beginning in August. Twelve women were members of the MC team in 2007-2008.
PHOTO: Guider, pictured riding Kassaria at Providence Hill Farm
Sign-up For Our Newsletter
Get the latest news about Mississippi College delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Along College Street e-newsletter.
