The K-State equestrian team earned five first place finishes, including three from freshmen, Saturday as the Wildcats hosted 10 teams from across the region for the IHSA Hunt Seat Shows at Fox Creek Farm.

There were two sessions to the show which allowed the Wildcats to gain valuable show experience for a group of relatively young riders.

"We had some terrific performances from the freshmen, with three winning their classes," said associate head coach Gardner Powell. "The girls rode confidently and the horses were terrific."

The Wildcats started the day off by earning 10 points in the morning session. Senior Kayla St. Clair picked up a big win for the Wildcats in Novice Equitation over Fences, while sophomore Jasmin Walters finished third in her first action on the season.

Senior Trish Carney picked up a third place finish in Novice Equitation on the Flat. Rounding out the morning show for the Wildcats were Paige Lechtenberg, Amber Barratti and Katie Haukos, who all placed fourth in their respective classes.  

K-State continued its winning efforts in the afternoon show, accumulating 21 points and placing seven different riders throughout the afternoon including four first place finishes. The Wildcats got strong rides out of a group of five freshmen that were getting their first taste of collegiate action this weekend.

Freshman Cody Hadrick won Novice Equitation on the Flat, while Mealanie Hinzpeter took first place in her class, Intermediate Equitation on the Flat.

Freshman Katherine Deichmann turned in a good performance, taking home first place in Novice Equitation over Fences, with Walters picking up third in the same category. In Intermediate Equitation on the Flat, freshman Paige Lechtenberg finished just back of first place, taking home second in the class. Carney built on her third place finish in the morning session by placing first in Novice Equitation on the Flat in the afternoon. Freshman Mariah Charland rounded out the show for the Wildcats, taking sixth place in Novice Equitation over Fences.

"I think it was a really good showing, especially the second show once we got warmed up," said Powell. "I was proud of the way the girls rode."

Varsity action will get back underway next weekend, as Baylor makes a visit to Fox Creek Farms on October 17. The Wildcats will look to build upon the momentum of their season-opening win against TCU last weekend. The show is scheduled to get underway at 9 a.m.