MIDLAND, Mich. -- The Albion College western equestrian team opened its 2025–26 campaign with an impressive performance over the weekend, earning High Point Team honors in the morning show. 

The Britons outpaced Michigan State University, which finished as the Reserve High Point Team.

Albion collected a number of blue ribbons throughout the day, led by Aubrey Martin and Ruby Demalignon, who went first and second in Rookie Horsemanship Section A. Dixie McKibbin added a first-place ride in Rookie Horsemanship Section B, while Alyssa McPherson (Rookie Horsemanship Section C), Stellamia Aerts (Level I Section B), Anna Jones (Level I Section C), and Rose Stanton (Beginner Horsemanship) all secured class wins in the morning show.

In addition, Anna Divis rode to third in Reining and placed inside the top five in Open Horsemanship, while Ella Lou Farwell and Riley Long contributed points with top-six finishes in Level II Horsemanship and Ranch Riding. The strong opening session was capped by regional qualifications, as McPherson, Stanton, and Aerts each punched their tickets to Western Regionals in the spring.

The Britons continued the strong outing in the afternoon show. Divis improved to second place in Reining and Riley Long and Madison Weedon went second and third, respectively, in Ranch Riding. McKibbin claimed another class win in Rookie Horsemanship Section C, and Stanton added a runner-up finish in Rookie Pre Horsemanship. Other highlights included Aerts finishing second in Level II Horsemanship Section B, Long taking third in the same division, and Osborne placing third in Level I Section C.

Up Next
The western team is back in action on Saturday, November 1, at home, for an event hosted by Adrian College.