RMC Equestrian Concludes Season On High Note

News Story categories: Equestrian Student Life Student Spotlight
Kelsey Sullivan IHSA Nationals

The Randolph-Macon Equestrian program had a successful end to the 2023-2024 season, with both the IHSA team and the Eventing team competing at national championship events.

Kelsey Sullivan ’26, a sophomore from Hamilton, Virginia, competed at IHSA Nationals in Tryon, N.C., placing third in the Intermediate Over Fences Division. This is the third consecutive year that the Yellow Jackets have had a rider qualify for the national championship. With more than 400 IHSA teams across the U.S., this significant accomplishment once again places RMC among the top equestrian programs in the country.

“Kelsey maintained her composure in a huge venue among the best riders in the USA and put in a beautiful jump round,” said Equestrian Director and Head Coach John West. “There is so much to look forward to in this team with talent like this.”

Group of cheerful female athletes wearing black and yellow uniforms, holding a "randolph-macon eventing" banner, posing outdoors.

Additionally, the Eventing team had 19 horse-and-rider partnerships traveled to Stable View Farm in Aiken, S.C. for the year-end USEA Intercollegiate Championships, competing against flagship universities from across the country. RMC was honored with the coveted Team Spirit Award.

“We came into this weekend knowing we have the best team spirit; it’s part of what we pride ourselves on. Every rider supports each other, regardless of level or how your ride went,” commented team president Julia Fugate ‘24. “Being recognized among teams that are 10 times our size speaks volumes about our members, our coach, and the parents that support us!”