By Staff
BERRIEN SPRINGS – The Dowagiac Equestrian Team finished fifth in the opening MIHA meet held on Sunday at the Berrien County Fair grounds.
Dowagiac competed against other Division B schools and finished with 49 points.
Karlee Rife was the high-point rider for Dowagiac earning 24 points. She placed first in Cloverleaf Race, Keyhole and Two-Person Relay, with the help of Elizabeth Gokey.
Kayla Dewey placed eighth in Western Fitting and Showing, second in Hunt Seat Fitting and Showing, and fifth in Hunt Seat Bareback, giving the team 12 points.
Ten points was added by Kelsey Podell, who placed fifth in Western Bareback, sixth in Reining, seventh in Trail and eighth in Flag Race. Sara Ausra gave Dowagiac three points as she placed sixth in Saddle Seat Equitation.
Also participating were Gokey.
Other schools riding in Division B were Lakeshore, Berrien Springs, Mattawan, River Valley, St. Joseph, Agape and Bangor.
Dowagiac will resume competition on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 23 and Sept. 24 at the Berrien County Fair grounds.