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Spring Benefit Show Boosts MC Equestrian Team


MC rider Meredith Matthews and her parents with Coconut Grove who won the Hunter Derby.

Twenty-eight horses transported from barns around Central Mississippi were part of a lively spring weekend show to benefit Mississippi College’s equestrian team.

The two-day event in mid-April saw riders compete at Providence Hill Farm, with nearly $10,000 raised for MC’s equestrian team that wrapped up its sixth season.

“The show was the perfect way to end a year of success and hard work for the MC equestrian team,” says Tina Davey, head coach of the Lady Choctaws squad.

“Overall, it was a great weekend. We had riders of all ages competing, including some incoming Mississippi College freshmen,” Davey said. “The community was given a great opportunity to see MC riders compete and we were blessed by beautiful weather.”

The MC Equestrian Program Spring Benefit Show was held April 13-14 at the sprawling 2,000-acre farm that’s a 20-minute trip from the Clinton campus.

The program featured two hunter derbies, a luncheon catered by Fresh Cut Catering and Floral, a silent auction, plus hunter and equitation classes for all levels. Tickets to the luncheon cost $35 per person.

Thanking all the event sponsors, Davey said she also appreciated the strong support from equestrian team riders, Mississippi College staff, parents, students and others who volunteered to make the show a huge hit. The Hunter Derby was sponsored by Kaleio and Flora Farm and Feed.

President Lee Royce handed the blue ribbon to MC freshman Meredith Matthews, winner of the hunter derby. Freshman Jessie Drohan took third place overall in the derby.

The first annual event attracted more than two dozen riders and at least 40 spectators to Providence Hill Farm, the headquarters of the Mississippi College team.

Vice President for Enrollment Management Jim Turcotte, who doubles as dean of students, gave the program a thumbs up.

“I was very pleased with the participation,” says Turcotte, who oversees the equestrian program, the bass fishing team and clay shooting squad at the Christian university. “Coach Tina Davey and a host of volunteers created a very nice show. We hope to make this an annual event.”

The 2014 Spring Benefit Show promises to be even bigger and better, with new activities to be added to the mix.

Funds raised from the April event will help pay for the care of the university’s horses, among other things.

The hunter derbies simulated riding out on the countryside with jumps resembling those found on a fox hunt, such as hedges, walls, brush, gates and logs.

Showing much improvement, Mississippi College ended its 2012-2013 season in 4th place among the 12 colleges in its Intercollegiate Horse Show Association area.

For more information, contact Tina Davey at CDavey@mc.edu or 601.925.0557 at Providence Hill Farm. Horse lovers and other fans of the MC equestrian team should go to www.mcequestrianteam.com.