ECAC Announces Riders of the Month for November
DANBURY, Conn. – The Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) has announced the Equestrian Riders of the Week for the month of October.
Dual Discipline
Fences: Chloe Fares - UC Davis
Sophomore Chloe Fares consistently delivered for UC Davis in Fences this month, posting point-winning rides in all three meets. She earned her first point against Delaware State with an 82 aboard Cici, then earned MOP honors with an 86 on Salty against UT Martin – beating her opponent by 20 points – and securing the team's second point, helping the Aggies claim the event win in both meets. Fares also posted the highest score in Fences with an 83 aboard Otis against Oklahoma State, securing the second point for UC Davis. Her steady performance, ability to score under pressure, and recognition as ECAC Rider of the Week after the Delaware doubleheader weekend wins, highlight her as one of the conference's top Fences riders for the month.
Flat: Anna Donovan - UC Davis (Pictured)
Sophomore Anna Donovan anchored UC Davis' Flat lineup this month, earning points in all three meets with strong, consistent performances. She opened against Delaware State with an 80 aboard Dude, contributing to the team's 4-1 event win and beating her opponent by 18 points. She then scored an 83 on Peter against UT Martin and another 83 aboard Calvigo – beating her opponent by 14 points – against Oklahoma State, securing the highest score in the event and helping the Aggies take two more event wins. Donovan's polished riding and ability to deliver in key moments underscore her as one of the conference's standout Flat riders for the month.
Horsemanship: Eliza Plum - UC Davis
Sophomore Eliza Plum turned in precise, high-scoring rides in Horsemanship throughout the month, contributing points in two of three meets. She opened with a point-winning ride of 66.5 aboard Cinch against Delaware State, tying the event 2-2. She then earned MOP honors with a 75 on Brady against UT Martin, helping the Aggies sweep the event. Plum narrowly missed another point against Oklahoma State with a 74 aboard Penny in a tight finish against her opponents 75. Her steady performance, competitiveness, and recognition as ECAC Rider of the Week after the Delaware doubleheader weekend wins, highlight her as one of the top Horsemanship riders in the conference for the month.
Reining: Mya Clader - UC Davis
Senior Mya Clader provided steady, decisive rides in Reining this month, contributing in two of three meets. She earned UC Davis' lone point against Delaware State with a 65 aboard Aspen, then posted an MOP ride of 70.5 on Delta against UT Martin to help the team tie the event. Clader narrowly missed a point against Oklahoma State with a 71 aboard Mr. T, tying for the highest score of the event. Her experience, steadiness, and ECAC Rider of the Week recognition after the Delaware doubleheader weekend wins, underscore her as one of the top Reining riders in the conference for the month.
Standout Student-Athlete of the Month: Kaylynn Berry - Delaware State
Berry, a transfer from UMNC, has immersed herself very quickly at DSU in a leadership role. Her nursing major is extremely demanding and yet she finds time to be at the barn every single day. She is a crucial part of the daily flat practice, watching videos, taking notes and meeting with flat riders to help improve their knowledge and skill in the flat box. Kaylynn is mature and emotionally intelligent which makes the team go to her for problem solving and encouragement. She is a coach's right hand when it comes to organizing, getting things done and setting reminders. She is the first one to volunteer to come early and stay late when a horse needs extra care. Kaylynn is DSU's biggest cheerleader and her positivity is infectious.
Horse of the Month: Courtage - UC Davis - Flat - Loaned by Marin Gilliland
A cherished member of the UC Davis equestrian team, Courtage was graciously donated by Marin Gilliland and has been a cornerstone of our program for years. At 21 years young, she has competed at heights ranging from 2'3" to 3'6", guiding riders with skill and consistency. Courtage earned her rider an 81 and a win in her final ride and our only home meet this month, continuing her tradition of excellence in the show ring. She has earned multiple flat MOP honors throughout her career and has been a desirable draw for both fences and flat, performing every maneuver with ease and elegance. At the end of the Fall 2025 season, Courtage retired to Hawaii, where she now enjoys grazing under the Koolau mountain range and serving as a trail horse for her owner's family. Her long career, consistent performance, and competitive heart exemplify what it means to be an outstanding UC Davis equestrian horse.
Single Discipline
Fences: Cassidy Exner - Dartmouth College
Cassidy earned the highest jump score of the day (85) and MOP against Kylie Hwalek and Sacred Heart and also won her matchup against Olivia Lonneman and Charleston by 12 points. Her 78 was two points off the high score for that day as well.
Flat: Elise Stephens - Dartmouth College
Elise won both of her flat matchups in November, including a 15-point win over Samantha Aisenberg and Charleston in which she was named the MOP.
Standout Student-Athlete of the Month: Alexa Strauss - Dartmouth College
Alexa is a standout senior on the Dartmouth Equestrian team. Contributing to our 3-0 start to the season, Alexa did the warm up riding for the fences and flat at every home meet this fall including the two this month in November. She always has a positive attitude and works hard to make sure that each horse is prepped to have it's best day. You will always see her lending a helping hand with holding horses and adjusting stirrups for competitors. She also helps keep the meets running smoothly by being the warm-up timer and helping to adjust tack and shuffle horses to where they need to be. Outside of the barn Alexa has maintained a rigorous course load and is involved with several community service organizations.
Horse of the Month: Candy - Dartmouth College - Fences and Flat
Candy is always a competitive and favorite draw among riders from both schools. She has a fun jump that leaves riders smiling at the end of their course. She is versatile and responsive and won an MOP on the flat (score of 89) and MOP over fences (score of 85) this month. She gives each rider a fair shot at earning high scores and putting in a competitive round. One of her matchups this month even ended up with a tie flat score- demonstrating her consistency.
ABOUT THE ECAC
The ECAC (Eastern College Athletic Conference) is an eighty-five-year-old organization with well over 200 member schools across all three NCAA Divisions - I, II and III. The ECAC exists to enhance the experience of student-athletes participating in intercollegiate athletics and provides great value for universities and colleges by sponsoring championships, leagues, bowl games, tournaments and other competitions throughout the Northeast. The ECAC's esports platform is growing and now totals more than sixty colleges and universities and is expanding the geographic footprint for the conference nationally. The ECAC is also sponsoring competitions and leagues involving other varsity and club sports that do not fall under the umbrella of the NCAA.
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