Providence Hill Farm Hosts Second Annual Fall Horse Show

Mississippi College riders competing at Providence Hill Farm, home of the MC Equestrian Program

All riders will receive prizes and ribbons as they compete in the second annual Fall Horse Show at Providence Hill Farm on September 14.

Classes will also be offered to riders at the 2,000-acre farm that serves as headquarters for the Mississippi College equestrian team.

The Fall Show will run from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and the event coincides with Preview Day for hundreds of prospective Mississippi College students and parents that Saturday on the Clinton campus.

“Recruits are welcome to come anytime during the day, meet the team, watch them ride and see the lovely facilities,” says Tina Davey, the MC equestrian program director and coach. She expects 10 to 12 team riders competing at the show.

The horse show will benefit the MC equestrian program that launches its new season this fall. The farm off 2600 Carsley Road will offer Mississippi Hunter Jumper Association approved classes.

Participants will pay a $20 entry fee for the heads up/heels down flat fun classes.  Riders pay a $25 entry fee for the long and short stirrup equitation classic, with the champion to be awarded a horse grooming kit. The entry fee is $25 for the equitation classic, with the champion to receive a leather halter.

Starting its 7^th season, the Mississippi College equestrian program offers a competitive riding team and physical education classes.

The 23-member squad includes six Mississippians. MC student Winston Franklin of Brandon, a Northwest Rankin High graduate, is the only man on the equestrian team. The squad has been dominated by women since its first year. Winston is returning after joining the team last season. He’s been a rider at horse shows in Canton last spring.

Other Mississippi students on the MC Choctaws team include riders Ashley Brogan and Kathryn Cawthon, both of Brandon, Hope Henry of Madison, Katherine Mooney of Jackson, and Meriwether Bass of Clarksdale. Seventeen other Mississippi College teammates come from Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Oregon, Arkansas, Illinois and Ohio.

Following a horse show in Canton, Miss. on October 12-13, the Choctaws launch their regular Intercollegiate Horse Show Association season with their first out-of-state competition October 19-20 in Braselton, Georgia, near Atlanta. MC’s team finished in 4^th place in a very competitive region last year. “We are just trying to improve as a team,” Davey said.

For more information, about the Fall Horse Show, contact Providence Hill Farm at 601.925.0557 or go to www.mcequestrianteam.com.