Following a weekend of stiff competition at the International Equestrian Association National Finals, the Dana Hall Middle School Riding team left the IEA competition, as national champions (for the first time in Dana Riding history).

Competing against riders from 24 schools from all over the country, all five Dana riders that qualified for national show placed in the top 10 slots. E. Kenny ’12 placed fourth in Individual Future Intermediate Flat and second in Middle School Hosemanship Test. A. Bertelson ’13 finished fourth in Team Future Intermediate Fences and third in Team Future Intermediate Flat. A. Coreless ’13 placed third in Team Future Intermediate Flat.  S. Manoogian ’14 placed third in Team Future Beginner Flat. H. McCall ’14 was the team’s standout performer, finishing first in Team Future Novice Flat, third in Team Future Novice Fences, and eighth in Individual Future Novice.

In addition to the team win and individual finishes, Dana Hall’s horse Lucky was honored with the IEA Best Horse Award among the 92 horses in the competition.

An additional 16 riders accompanied the Middle School team to assist with Dana's 12 horses, volunteer with duties at the competition, and compete in exhibition rounds. Upper School Riding team captains L. Breen '08 and C. Lorusso '09 placed fourth and sixth respectively in the Upper School Volunteer Horsemanship Test, and M. Gordon '11 placed third in the event.

Click here to see more photos from the IEA Nationals.