SAINT MARY-OF-THE-WOODS, Ind. – The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College equestrian team shined on its home turf this weekend, earning High Point Team honors on both Saturday and Sunday at the annual SMWC Homecoming Invitational Western Show.
Sophomore Bella Monnett led the charge, capturing High Point Rider both days. On Saturday, Monnett earned a first-place finish in Open Horsemanship and added a runner-up spot in Reining to secure her title. She returned Sunday to win Reining and take second in Open Horsemanship, sealing another dominant performance.
Senior Claire Coryell provided strong support with a victory in Ranch on Saturday along with a second-place ride in Open Horsemanship, which helped her claim Reserve High Point Rider honors. She followed that up on Sunday with a win in Open Horsemanship, continuing her consistency across divisions.
The Pomeroys also saw major contributions across all levels. Clair Schoettmer picked up a Saturday win in Level 2 Horsemanship before adding a Sunday victory in Ranch and a fifth-place ride in Open Horsemanship. Courtney Hamrick swept her divisions with first-place rides in Level 1 Horsemanship (Saturday) and Level 2 Horsemanship (Sunday). Bella Parker added depth with a sixth-place finish Saturday in Level 1 Horsemanship before moving up to second in the same division on Sunday, while Abby Sweet claimed third in Level 1 Horsemanship to close the weekend.
Rookie and beginner riders also had standout performances. Abbigal Coyle won the Rookie A division on both days, while Trinity Hudnall and Allie Shaughnessy each took second in Rookie B on Sunday. In the Beginner division, Xander Howells rode to victory Sunday with teammate Ashley Haraway close behind in second place.
The Pomeroys' well-rounded showing produced multiple regional qualifying rides and highlighted the program's depth from top to bottom.
SMWC will now transition into Hunt Seat competition, returning to action on October 18–19 at Sierra Woods Farm in Zionsville, Indiana, in a show hosted by Butler University.
