Reining Champs

Jennifer Renz '01 took time away from her sophomore summer to help an American riding team win the International Intercollegiate Nation's Cup at Coker Farmin Bedford, New York. Renz and Megan Phillips '99 were the first Dartmouth equestriennes to take part in this HP prestigious competition. Eighteen three-person teams from several countries, including three teams from the United States, competed in both jumping and dressage. Coach Sally Boillotat explains for the non-riders among us, "Dressage is a series of movements the rider makes the horse perform—almost like figure skating." A complicating factor in the competition is that horse selection is random, and riders often end up with an unfamiliar horse. Renz, riding with two students from other American colleges, helped USA Tearn 2to first place in combined dressage and jumping, while Phillips and USA Team 3 finished fifth in the combined scoring. Boillotat, who entered three horses—Beau, Bubba, and L.8., who reside at Dartmouth's Morton Farm—was proud of the success of her riders: "For Dartmouth riders to do so well in international competition says a lot about their ability."

Renz leapt over the top in dressage and jumping.