Tega Cay resident Ella Collins has committed to the College of Charleston’s Equestrian Team. Collins is a senior at Fort Mill High School and a nationally ranked equestrian rider.
The College of Charleston Equestrian Team, a formidable presence in the world of collegiate equestrian sports, has a rich history of success in Division 1 athletics. With numerous appearances at the IHSA National Championship Horse Show, national champion riders, and a string of regional and zone championships, the team continues to shine in the world of equestrian competition.
The College of Charleston Equestrian Team has made an impressive 27 appearances at the IHSA National Championship Horse Show, showcasing their dedication and skill in the equestrian arena. Over the years, the team has consistently demonstrated its competitive prowess, achieving notable finishes, including a remarkable second-place finish in 1989 and 1991.
Here’s a brief look at their IHSA National Championship Horse Show journey:
- 1984 – Bucks County Community College (9th)
- 1985 – Midway College (3rd)
- 1986 – University of Virginia (5th)
- 1987 – Miami University & Purdue (4th)
- 1988 – St. Andrews Presbyterian (4th)
- 1989 – Mt. Holyoke (2nd)*
- 1990 – St. Lawrence University (5th)
- 1991 – Hollins College (2nd)*
- 1992 – Morehead State University (6th)
- 1993 – Lake Erie College (5th)
- 1994 – Texas A&M (7th)
- 1996 – California State & Fresno State (7th)
- 1997 – Mt. Holyoke (7th)
- 1999 – Cazenovia College (6th)
- 2000 – Wesleyan College (4th)
- 2001 – Conyers, Ga. (3rd)
- 2004 – Murfreesboro, Tenn. (DNP)
- 2005 – Findlay, Ohio (7th)
- 2006 – Harrisburg, Pa. (7th)
- 2007 – Springfield, Mass. (12th)
- 2008 – Los Angeles, Calif. (6th)
- 2009 – Murfreesboro, Tenn. (4th)
- 2010 – Lexington, Ky. (8th)
- 2014 – Harrisburg, Pa. (2nd)*
- 2015 – West Springfield, Mass. (5th)
- 2017 – Lexington, Ky. (6th)
- 2018 – Harrisburg, Pa. (8th)
- 2022 – Harrisburg, Pa. (5th)
(* – Reserve National Champions)
The College of Charleston has produced an impressive roster of 21 National Champion Riders who have excelled in various equestrian disciplines. These riders have displayed exceptional skills and determination, earning prestigious titles in the world of collegiate equestrian sports.
Some of the standout National Champion Riders include:
- 1985 – Michelle Principe – Team Novice Fence
- 1991 – Garland Hughes – Team Novice Fences
- 2015 – Eliza Hay – National Champion (Cacchione Cup)
- 2019 – Hannah Bentz – Reserve National Champion
In addition to their remarkable national achievements, the College of Charleston Equestrian Team has secured numerous IHSA Region Championships (30) and IHSA Zone 5 Championships (10), underlining their consistent dominance in the regional and zone levels of competition.
