Caitlyn Giese ’24 was named the Novice Flat National Champion Thursday at Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) Nationals in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Competing against the country’s top-rated collegiate riders who qualified for the national competition from amongst 400 IHSA teams and 10,000 individuals in the country, Giese put in a flawless performance that resulted in the win. 

“This is the first rider in the RMC team’s 10-year history to advance to Nationals,” said Head Coach John West. “To take home the win is just incredible!  I am so proud of Caitlyn, her ability to ride under this kind of pressure, and all that she has brought to this team.”

“This has been such an amazing opportunity to represent Randolph-Macon and to go all the way to Nationals,” commented Giese.  “I could not have gotten here without the unwavering support of my coaches, incredible teammates, friends and my parents.  It truly has not sunken in yet!”

Giese, from King William, Virginia, is a Business major with a minor in Communications Studies.