Two Mississippi College Equestrian Riders Advance to Zone Competition

Providence Hill Farm, home of the Mississippi College equestrian program.

Mississippi College equestrian team riders Elizabeth Langford and Kristina Bordulis will advance to Intercollegiate Horse Show Association zone competition in Georgia on April 5.

“They are really great riders,” MC equestrian coach Tina Davey said. “I hope they can get to the nationals soon.”

The IHSA National Championships are set for May 1-4 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. Launching the university’s equestrian team in 2007, MC sent one of its star riders to the national championships during the team’s first two seasons.

A freshman from Portland, Oregon, Langford excelled at regional IHSA competition in advanced walk, trot and canter to qualify for the April zone event at Berry College in Rome, Georgia. An MC junior from Orlando, Florida, Bordulis impressed the judges in the walk and trot category to get the invitation to the next level.

Their strong performances reflected another solid season for Mississippi College’s equestrian team. With about 25 riders, the MC squad finished the year in third place in their ISHA region. Berry College was the region’s leader once again, with Emory University of Atlanta taking second place. MC ended the season just 11 points behind Emory. The University of Alabama finished the 2013-14 season in 4^th place.

While losing senior Kathryn Cawthon of Brandon, who will graduate in May, the MC equestrian team looks formidable again next year.

“We will have a few new riders we are excited about for next year,” Davey said. They’re coming from California, Louisiana and Texas.

Among those returning to the squad based at Providence Hill Farm will be freshman Maggie Waters. She ended the season 4^th in the region’s open rider division standings. A Northwest Rankin graduate, Winston Franklin of Brandon is the only man on the team. “We hope to get more men,” in future years, Davey said.

Prospective MC students interested in joining the equestrian team next season are invited to an open house at Providence Hill Farm. It will be Saturday March 22 and coincide with the Christian university’s Spring Preview Day.

Horse lovers will get another opportunity to see the 2,000-acre farm off Carsley Road on April 12-13. The facility will host a horse show and luncheon for visitors.

For more information, go to www.mcequestrianteam.com or call 601.925.0557.