ALFRED, NY, February 11 – The Alfred State Western Equestrian team opened the 2026 portion of their season with a strong showing at Alfred University. The team finished as the High-Point team on Sunday with Paige Sims riding to High-Point Rider honors.

Paige Sims earned top honors in both Level 2 Horsemanship and Level 2 Ranch riding on Sunday. She was fifth and sixth in the same divisions on the Saturday show.

Maddie Casnova (Level 1), Mikey Lewis (Rookie B), Ashley Wolfe (Open Horsemanship), and Alison Wojtkowiak (Rookie B) all earned top spots in Sunday's competition. Hadley Amyot (Rookie A), Jacklynn Crow (Rookie B), and Morgan Stone (Rookie B) rode to second place.

On Saturday, the Pioneers were the Reserve High-Point team. They were led by Crow (Rookie B) and Wojtkowiak (Rookie B) riding to first place. Laura Mills (Rookie A) and Wolfe (Open Reining) picked up second place finishes.

Western Equestrian Head Coach Rose Stayer-Ruffner was extremely pleased with her team's performance. "We had a great weekend. I have seen great growth in the skill level of our riders. I am excited to continue practicing for the postseason."

Amyot (Beginner), Casanova (Rookie B), Keira Sulkey (Level 1), Wolfe (Open Horsemanship and Reining), and Wojtkowiak (Rookie B) have all qualified for Regionals that will be held March 7 at Alfred University.