To see this story on the Athletics website, click here.

PAINESVILLE, Ohio — Averett University Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) team was named the 2019 Reserve Champion while senior Noel Muehlbauer won an individual national championship at the IDA Nationals held over the weekend. The team competed against qualifying Division I, II and III institutions from nine different regions across the country at the event hosted by Lake Erie College.

Averett, which has been ranked either No. 1 or No. 2 in the nation in three of the past four years, earned Reserve Champion by finishing second — a feat the team also accomplished in 2016. Averett won the IDA National Championship in 2017.

On Saturday, Muehlbauer became only the second Averett rider to win an individual national championship, joining Laura Thompson, who placed first at Lower Training in 2009. Muehlbauer had a beautiful ride aboard Pedro, helping her win first in Individual Upper Training.

Averett’s action began on Friday as junior Ally Febbo started off the national competition strong with a third-place finish aboard Faust in the inaugural First Level Dressage Seat Equitation. Averett’s quiz challenge finalists followed with Muehlbauer receiving fourth in Upper Training, senior Christina Hyde receiving fifth in Lower Training, senior Maddy Augustine receiving third in Intro and junior Jordan Anderson receiving second in Intro.

Saturday was individual day with lovely rides by freshman Liza Anikeeva and Augustine to go along with Muehlbauer’s championship-winning ride. Anikeeva started the day off strong with a fourth place finish in First Level aboard Stuart. Augustine concluded the day with a solid ride aboard Cranberry, placing 12th.

Sunday was team day with excellent rides by all four team riders. Anikeeva opened the day with a fantastic ride aboard Jerry, placing her in third at First Level. Muehlbauer followed on Pedro once again, claiming second place at Upper Training. At Lower Training, Hyde had a great ride on Oz, placing ninth. Augustine finished strong with a fifth place finish in Intro aboard Kermit. These scores combined allowed Averett to clench the title of IDA 2019 Reserve National Champions.