±«Óãtv

Mississippi College Equestrian Riders Qualify for Regionals

Mississippi College equestrian team riders took home plenty of ribbons during competition at Texas State University February 16-17.

Coach Claudia Billups and Mississippi College equestrian team rider Mackenzie Beard enjoyed fielding questions about their favorite sport on a statewide radio show.

The guests told SuperTalk Mississippi radio host Mary Wieden what they love about horses and MC’s fabulous team.

A sophomore from Katy, Texas, Mackenzie stopped by the Jackson radio studios with much to talk about. She joins teammate Kaylyn Kimpel of Winter Park, Florida as the two Mississippi College riders recently qualifying for regionals at the Baton Rouge Equestrian Center on March 10.

It’s possible that more Mississippi College riders could become eligible for the regionals following March 8-9 competition at Louisiana State University.

For Mackenzie Beard it marks her second season on the equestrian team based at Providence Hill Farm. The 19-year-old Texan earned plenty of ribbons this season to punch her ticket to the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association regionals.

The Blue & Gold team’s new coach in 2019, Billups deserves a great deal of credit for getting the Lady Choctaws squad to excel in their 12^th season.

“Our new coach is really stepping up,” Beard said. “She’s so brave and knows exactly what she’s talking about,” added the administration of justice major. “We’re running for that finish line to go out strong.”

Fourteen riders comprise the Lady Choctaws team that turned in solid performances at Texas State University February 16-17. Mississippi College finished as reserve high point champions at the event in Wimberley, Texas.

It marks the final season on the equestrian team for seniors Kaylyn Kimpel and Maggie Crigler of Germantown, Tennessee.

“I’m looking forward to finishing out the season strong,” Billups said.

Results from Texas State show that freshman Macy Urbanosky of North Richland Hills, Texas earned 1^st and 2^nd in over the fences. Macy finished 1^st and 2^nd in on the flat.

Mackenzie Beard was 2^nd on the flat. Ellie Kate Tradup, a junior from Highland Village, Texas, was 1^st and 2^nd on over the fences and 2^nd on the flat.

Megan All placed 2^nd and 4^th in over the fences. Lana Estes of Ashland, Miss., Madelynn Dennis of Tustin, Texas, Olivia Perkins of Columbus, Georgia, Leslie Ann Fleming of Canton, and Kaylyn Kimpel were other Mississippi College riders taking home ribbons.

Mississippi College’s squad is one of more than 400 collegiate equestrian teams in the USA.

Riders ranking among the best in the USA this season could become eligible for the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association’s national championships. The event is set for Syracuse, New York May 2-5.