Oct. 23, 2009

West Springfield, Mass. (SMU) - SMU Equestrian rider Lucy Needham finished ninth out of 88 riders in the Open Adult 18-22 class at the 33rd annual New England Equitation Championship Oct. 18. Needham competed on her horse Venlo and received a score of 79.00.

To qualify for the championship riders must accrue 10 points or one win in the qualifying classes held at selected horse shows throughout the New England area. Needham qualified at the Northeast Benefit Horse Show in Northampton, Mass. in July, on Venlo, a 18.1h Dutch Warmblood.

SMU returns to competition on Nov. 22 against South Dakota State. It will be the first home match of the season for the Mustangs. Match time is slated for 10:00 a.m.