The Penn State University dressage team achieved a historic clean sweep at Centenary University’s Intercollegiate dressage Association (IDA) Spring dressage Show on March 28, securing first place in all four divisions and earning a perfect scorecard. This victory qualified them for the IDA Nationals in St. Louis, marking a significant milestone as the team had struggled against strong competitors like Centenary and Delaware Valley in previous years. Team member Emerson Ayres, a 2024 graduate and experienced rider, highlighted the intense preparation and unique challenges of collegiate dressage, where riders often compete on unfamiliar horses with limited warm-up time.

Ayres shared insights into the sport’s demands, emphasizing the importance of building trust with horses and mastering complex maneuvers such as leg yields and trot/canter lengthening, which require precise communication and control. She expressed excitement about competing at nationals alongside her teammates, contrasting with her previous experience attending as an individual. The team’s success reflects their dedication and the strong coaching support from Penn State’s Lindsay Hafer, underscoring the skill and teamwork essential in collegiate dressage competition.