HUNTINGDON — Building on a season already marked by standout performances, Juniata’s Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association Equestrian team delivered one of its strongest showings yet as the season reaches its midpoint.

“Coaching this IHSA team at Fox Run Riding has been an incredible privilege,” said coach Haley Campbell of Fox Run Riding in Huntingdon. “These riders embody everything collegiate equestrian sport stands for — teamwork, resilience, sportsmanship, and an unwavering love for both the sport and our horses. This team proves that when talent meets work ethic, great things happen.”

Under Campbell’s guidance, team captains Kara Scotti ’26 of Hunterdon, NJ, and Alexa Viands ’26 of Shrewsbury, have helped shape the program into a competitive force over the last three years.

“These girls put in the work — day after day — against all odds to beat teams with triple our numbers and support each other every step of the way,” said Scotti.

That dedication extends beyond the competition ring.

“We are so grateful to have a team with such amazing chemistry representing Juniata, as well as Huntingdon through Fox Run Riding,” said Viands.

The team shattered its points record at the fifth competition of the year and claimed the Reserve High Point Champion Team title at Black River Farm in New Jersey, competing against riders from Penn State University, Penn State Altoona, Bucknell University, Wilson College, Susquehanna University, Gettysburg College, Dickinson College and Shippensburg University.

With weekly lessons at Fox Run Riding and Campbell’s support both in and out of the ring, the team has already broken its points record twice and matched it on two other occasions. Four Juniata riders have also secured qualifications for Regional Finals across four different competition classes.

In just the first half of the season, Juniata riders have earned 30 top-three individual placements, eight first-place finishes and team top-three standings at three of the five shows so far.

For the first time in Juniata history, the team will have riders competing in every class at their next show. Representing the highest IHSA division in the Open Class is Scotti, followed by Ava Shaw ’28 of Hollidaysburg, in the Intermediate Class and Viands in the Limit Class, forming the team’s jumper lineup.

The flat classes are represented by Eve Fenstermaker ’27 of Lebanon, Gabby Iezzi ’27 of Jeannette and Kiley Masser ’29 of Shermansdale in Novice; Lynden Beinhauer ’28 of Ellwood City in Pre-Novice; and Shania Lunsford ’26 of Hawley, Addy Bert ’27 of Chambersburg and Camden Lapp ’28 of Durham, N.C., in Introductory.

IHSA provides collegiate riders the opportunity to compete at all levels, regardless of prior experience or financial resources. Riders compete on randomly assigned horses supplied by the host school, emphasizing adaptability, skill and horsemanship. Points earned in each class contribute to both individual standings and team totals, with opportunities to qualify for Regional, Zone and National Finals.

The team will resume competition in the spring with Juniata’s home show at Swan Lake Stables on Saturday, Feb. 28, and Sunday, March 1.