Equestrian signs two new athletes for next year

by **DanFreibergerForHeisman** » Thu Apr 21, 2011 10:58 pm

As reported on the official SMU athletics site:

Equestrian Signs Two Riders To NLIs

April 20, 2011

DALLAS (SMU) - The SMU equestrian team announced the signing of Ashley Pryde and Rachel Reid to National Letters of Intent today.

Pryde, a native of Medina, Wash., trains with Archibald Cox of Los Angeles. She was the winner of the 2010 Chronicle of the House International Hunter Derby as well as the 2010 Marshall & Sterling 3'6" Junior Medal at the HITS Thermal circuit. Pryde was also named the best junior rider at the 2010 Del Mar National Horse Show. Additionally, Pryde and her horse Pringle were named USEF National Champions in the Small Junior Hunter Division in 2009 as well as being 6th in 2010.

"Coach Burton and I are so excited to welcome Ashley to the Hilltop," head coach Haley Schoolfield said. "She brings a wealth of experience, skill and knowledge that will continue to add depth to our roster. Ashley is a well-rounded and lovely lady in addition to her success in the arena."

Reid, a native of Cedar, Mich., trains with Melissa Hurt of Northern Pines Farm in Maple City, Mich. She was champion at the Winter Equestrian Festival, Week 6, in the Low Junior Jumpers in 2010. Reid also placed sixth in the Low Junior Jumper Classic at the 2010 Pennsylvania National Horse Show. A model student-athlete, Reid also volunteers with Big Pals and Project Hero in her spare time.

"Rachel brings great experiences from all over the country to SMU's Equestrian team," Schoolfield said. "She is also an optimistic and energetic team player who I am certain will excel in our program."

by **couch 'em** » Sat Apr 23, 2011 12:19 pm

Shouldn't the horses be considered the athletes? They are doing the work!

by **Dark Horse** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 7:03 pm

couch 'em wrote:Shouldn't the horses be considered the athletes? They are doing the work!

You're absolutely right.

by **DanFreibergerForHeisman** » Thu Apr 28, 2011 9:46 pm

Wow. That's hilarious! How did you ever come up with that one?

by **couch 'em** » Fri Apr 29, 2011 1:10 pm

DanFreibergerForHeisman wrote:Wow. That's hilarious! How did you ever come up with that one?

It wasn't a joke. Do they trade off horses to keep it equal? If not, horse:racecar::rider:driver

by **DanFreibergerForHeisman** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 1:13 pm

couch 'em wrote:
DanFreibergerForHeisman wrote:Wow. That's hilarious! How did you ever come up with that one?

It wasn't a joke. Do they trade off horses to keep it equal? If not, horse:racecar::rider:driver

The riders matched up against each other do ride the same horse.

by **DanFreibergerForHeisman** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 1:23 pm

While researching the upcoming season, I found a nice clip of Ashley Pryde:

http://vimeo.com/24783438

and also a nice article on Rachel Reid:

http://glenarborsun.com/glen-lake-senio ... holarship/

They both really do look like promising riders with pretty good pedigrees.

It looks like they both have strength in fences though, which is obviously good, but a quick look at last season's results shows the area where we really need to improve is on the flat. It will be interesting to see who Coach Schoolfield uses on the flat this fall.