The Loomis Chaffee equestrian team reigned as champion at the Folly Farm Interscholastic Equestrian Association horse show on Sunday, October 30, earning more than 20 points in a victory over five other programs.

Senior captain Zoe Santilli and sophomore Michaela Howe started the day earning respectable sixth- and fifth-place finishes in their open divisions, earning valuable points to kick off the day. Freshman Maia Witjinberg and junior Leah Ozgun followed suit in the intermediate jumping and flat divisions and had strong finishes in fifth and sixth places to accrue more points for the squad.

Freshmen Emilia Cisneros and Mary Stanton Bryant, both novice riders, catapulted the team's points to the top with wins both in their flat classes as well as their over-fences classes. Freshman Cathy Zhang and junior Nessa Tang sealed the win with second- and fourth-place finishes on the flat.

With two meets under their belts, the team members used their confidence and experience to help earn the win. “This victory was definitely looming for these girls. They have worked so hard and supported one another so well. I’m so proud of them and can’t wait to see them in the winner’s circle again,” said head coach Carolyn Mainardi.

Up next, another big show at the Ethel Walker School on Saturday, November 5, starting at 8:30 a.m.