SCAD Wins 7th Equestrian National Championship

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Apr 19, 2011, 01:10 ET

Team Makes History by Claiming Top Two Individual Honors

SAVANNAH, Ga., April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Savannah College of Art and Design equestrian team captured their seventh American National Riding Commission's National Intercollegiate Equitation Championship that was held April 15-17 at the Ronald C. Waranch Equestrian Center.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110324/DC69926)

The Bees have also won ANRC team titles in 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010, making 2011 four-in-a-row. Members of the team were Kelse Bonham, Paul Frederick and Caroline Ingalls. SCAD also had two other riders - Lydia Todd and Henrietta Armstrong - compete as individuals.

The championship was divided into three phases – dressage sportif, hunter trials equitation, and hunter seat. The dressage sportif portion counted 40 percent of the total score while the hunter trials equitation and hunter seat equitation counted 30 percent each.

SCAD's Kelse Bonham bested 34 other riders to defend her individual title that she won in both 2009 and 2010. It's the sixth time a SCAD rider has won the individual title in the event. Armstrong also was named reserved individual champion in the event. It's the first time in the program's history that the Bees claimed the top two honors at the event.

SCAD's team in the novice division were also named reserve champions. Members of the novice team included. Taylor Brown, Hayley Bolton and Erin Hickey. Annie Patterson also competed for the Bees as an individual in the novice division.

SCAD returns to action May 5 when the Bees will compete in the IHSA National Championship in Lexington, Ky.

SCAD: The University for Creative Careers
The Savannah College of Art and Design is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution that offers bachelor's and master's degree programs in more than 40 majors. Visit scad.edu.

SOURCE Savannah College of Art and Design