STILLWATER – Top-ranked Oklahoma State equestrian fell to SMU, 10-9, in its season opener at the Pedigo Hull Equestrian Center.

 

The loss snaps an eight-meet win streak for the Cowgirls and is their first home loss since 2018.  

 

“We have a lot to take away from today’s meet,” head coach Larry Sanchez said. “SMU is a very good team, and they rode well today. It is a long season, and we will continue to work hard moving forward.” 

 

The meet began with fences, where OSU took a 3-2 advantage. Riley Hogan put the Cowgirls on the board first, beating Alex Pielet, 74-73. SMU earned its first point when Taylor Madden bested Hope King, 83-80. 

 

The Cowgirls would claim the next two points. First, Emma Pacyna defeated Devin Seek, 84-81, before fifth-year senior Sydnie Ziegler beat Hannah Hoch, 83-81. Sydney North fell to Elli Yeager, 86-83, rounding out the Fences portion of the meet.

 

Horsemanship coincided with Fences, taking place in the outdoor arena at the same time. SMU got off to a good start, taking the first two match-ups. Megan Waldron bested Caroline Nielson, 76-70.5, followed by Lily Anderson defeating Natalie Vargo, 72.5-68.

 

OSU fought back, with Claire McDowall and Maddie Fussell earning big points for the Cowgirls. McDowall posted a 78.5, beating Alexa Black’s 76, and Fussell’s 75.5 narrowly beat Nya Kearns’ 74.5. 

 

In the deciding match in Horsemanship, SMU’s Mallory Vroegh defeated Jojo Roberson, 77.5-73, putting the overall meet score at an even 5-5.

 

The meet continued after a break with Flat. 

 

SMU came out strong, taking the first three points. Taylor Madden beat King, 86-82, Hensley Humphries beat Ziegler,82-80, and Ella Reinauer was barely defeated by Madigan Eppink, 87-86. Hannah Coleman tied with Miranda Seade, 83-83, before Grace McReynolds claimed the only Cowgirl point in Flat, beating Emma Engel, 85-78.

 

In Reining, the Cowgirls took all but one point. SMU’s Taylor Zimmerman claimed the only point for the Mustangs, beating Molly Mitchell, 69-0. Jojo Roberson beat Siena Krueger, 69.5-65, and QuinceeClark beat Maria Richards, 69.5-66. Freshman Tristan Bagby got a big win in her first career ride, beating Dani Latimer, 68.5-67.

 

With the overall score tied 9-9, Hannah Lovrien and SMU’s Chalyce Head were granted a re-ride. Head rode first, posting a 69.5, and Lovrien followed with a 68.5 as SMU escaped with the 10-9 win.

 

The Cowgirls will be back in action October 15 at home against Baylor in the first Big 12 contest of the season for either team.