Centenary College's Cori Reich wasn't intimidated by odds. Not when her goal was nothing short of the USEF/Cacchione Cup. Reich, who qualified last year but did not finish in the ribbons, spent senior year redoubling her efforts under coaches Michael Dowling and Heather Clark, and drawing upon her experience growing up on the family's Rolling Coach Stables in Ivyland, PA, building her seat on horses whose sale prices reflected their problems.
Cori Reich - Winner Cacchione Cup
Cori Reich wasn't intimidated by the odds going for the USEF/Cacchione Cup based on her experience growing up while developing her riding skills on horses whose sale prices reflected their problems.
© 2013 by Richard Ormonowski
"We got 'difficult' horses because those were the ones we could afford," said Lori and George Reich, who came to Harrisburg to support their daughter but never dared hope it would be while holding the Cacchione Cup. "Cori started riding at age six. Every horse she's owned has been challenging. Now she's off to bigger things."
In front of hunter seat judges Anne and Bobby Braswell, Reich earned 84.25 points on Kerry Kocher's over fences course, drawing "experienced equitation horse" Parker, and scoring 90 on the flat with "fantastic draw," King, for a final 174.25 points. The reserve champion, with 169, was Skidmore Collegiate Cup game-changer, Flavia D'Urso.
"This was the one show where I had no idea how things would go," said the USEF/Cacchione Cup champion, who began weeping as D'Urso left the awards line-up to accept the reserve tricolor. "I happened to draw a good horse in the last phase. Parker is a Centenary horse I wanted if I was lucky, because I'm tall and he's big, so we match well. For the flat, I drew Centenary's King and he was fantastic.
"I was less worried about the draw than hearing there would be ten jumps in the ride-off. That was scary." Reich, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies with a concentration in training and teaching, added, "I came as an individual rider for the Cacchione Cup. After last year, I was determined to be better prepared. Heather and Michael have been great. I was too aggressive last time so we 'smoothed out' my riding."
D'Urso came ready to ride: "I've been with coach Ford for a long time, so I felt consistent and prepared. I was lucky to get Centenary's Sean, who was soft and forward, as first draw. I came ready to put my best foot forward. At the end of the day it's up to the judges." The Skidmore senior, from Chester, NJ, plans take her degree in psychology and art to New York City to "see what happens."
1996 U.S. Olympic Show Jumping Silver medalist Peter Leone, on hand to award finalists with his latest book, Peter Leone's Show Jumping Clinic, co-authored with Kimberly Jaussi, was impressed with the caliber of competition: "I see future assistants and employees. I'd like any of them working with me." He'll get his chance, having offered Reich a free week of one-on-one training at Leone's Lionshare Farm in Greenwich, CT, after her finals.
"I remember being that age and how winning a championship like this puts you on cloud nine," said Leone. Quoting George Morris, former US chef d'equipe and author of the forward in Leone's book: "Through riding, you learn a lot about life. An opportunity like this offers a boost of confidence and energy for equestrian dreams and life in general."
Reich said, "I want to be a show jumper. I've always looked up to (prior Cacchione Cup winner) Beezie Madden. She's a great role model for riders and girls. I want to ride professionally, as well as teach, train and own my own barn.”
"We're excited for Cori," said Centenary coaches Clark and Dowling. "She did tons of no-stirrup work. Her nemesis is that she rides a 'forward' horse really well into a jump. Parker was a 'leg' horse and not the easiest ride, but her goal was the Cacchione Cup."
Reich also accepted the EquestrianCoach.com Achievement of Excellence Award for hunter seat riders. “She was a clear winner,” said founder, Bernie Traurig. “She epitomized style, effective riding, and the potential for excellence in equestrian sport. She fit the criteria to a 'T'.” Her award included an Antares helmet and internship with hunter/equitation trainer, Missy Clark.
The top three USEF/Cacchione finalists received inaugural Anne and Mario Cacchione Memorial Scholarships: Reich, D'Urso, and Blake Roberts (Virginia Intermont College).
SmartPak Hunter Seat Horse of the Show was Centenary College's King, a bay, 21 year-old Dutch Warmblood that has been with its riding program for seven years and described as a “fantastic draw” and “perfect IHSA pro.”
The Jockey Club Incentive Program, encouraging retraining/rehoming OTTBs, recognized Skidmore College hunter seat draw, Noah, a “simple, not complicated, ride,” as outstanding Thoroughbred of the show. Reserve was St. Lawrence's “good draw, plenty of hunter miles, and auto-swap” Louie.
By L.A. Pomeroy, IHSA Media