Hubbard signs seven in early signing period

FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State equestrian head coach Eric Hubbard, along with assistance from assistant western coach Mary Brown and assistant jumping seat coach Caitlin Marshall, announced the addition of seven student-athletes to the Bulldogs' 2020-21 roster after the 2019 early signing period in November. The signing class is made up of four jumping seat riders, one horsemanship rider and a pair of reiners. The future Bulldogs will join a Fresno State team that has already set program records in the current fall season.

"We are excited to have such a great group of riders to join our Bulldog family," said Hubbard. "Each of them will individually add something specific to our roster."

Meet the Newcomers

Alena Horowitz
Hometown: Bend, Oregon
Discipline: Jumping Seat

Horowitz has competed in eight shows in her riding career - USEF Talent Search Finals (East and West), USEF Hunter Seat Medal Finals, Maclay Regionals, Hamel Foundation NHS 3'3" Equitation Championship, USHJA Jumping Seat Medal Finals USHJA Hunterdon Cup Equitation Classic, Oregon Hunter Jumper Association Junior 3'6" Medal Finals and Oregon Hunter Jumper Association Children's Medal Finals.

Horowitz was also named the 2016 USHJA Thoroughbred Jumper Horse of the Year (Zone 9).

Grace Mathias
Hometown: Waterford, California
Discipline: Jumping Seat

Mathis competed at the 2018 Horse and Hound Medal Finals and finished with a four place showing at the event. She was also the Reverse Champion Children Hunters at the High Desert Classic.

"Fresno State is the perfect college to further my education and continue with my riding career. I am beyond excited to be a Bulldog," said Mathias.

Olivia Ferro
Hometown: South Hadley, Massachusetts
Discipline: Jumping Seat

Ferro was ninth overall at the 2018 Junior Hunter Finals, top 20 in the 2018 Hunterdon Cup and Grand Champion at the 2018 Children's Hunters at WEF Holiday Circuit. She also qualified for the High Children's Jumpers at Devon in 2019, while qualifying for the 2019 New England Equitation Championships and the 2019 High Children's Jumpers at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

"I chose Fresno State because the girls on the team made me feel so comfortable when I visited, and I am looking forward to having such wonderful teammates next year," said Ferro.

Elle Martin
Hometown: Riverside, California
Discipline: Jumping Seat

Martin was named the 2018 IEA Zone 10 Individual High Point champion, 2018 LAHJA Year-End Low Children's Jumper champion and the 2019 IEA Zone 10 Open Team Flat champion. She also earned the 2018 and 2019 IEA Sportsmanship Award and was a top placer at the 2019 Low Children's Jumpers.

"I couldn't be more excited for my future with Fresno State," said Martin. "Fresno State has always been my top choice to pursue my collegiate riding career and I feel so blessed to be a part of such a supportive team and Bulldog family!"

Sophie Gratchner
Hometown: Sherwood, Oregon
Discipline: Horsemanship

Gratchner is the Bulldogs' only Horsemanship signee in the early signing period and has had multiple AQHA performance All-Around achievements. She was named the AQHA Level 1 Championships Reserve Champion, Mountain States Quarter Horse Association Youth All-Around, had top three placings at the Arizona Fall championships and earned OQHA Summer Classic Multiple All-Around awards.

"After meeting the coaches and the team on my visit to Fresno State, I felt at home and I knew that this would be a great fit for me," said Gratchner. "I had never experienced such a devoted team and the opportunity to continue my riding career while getting a great education has always been a dream of mine. I look forward to this next chapter of my life and I can't wait to be a part of the Bulldog family."

Ashley Jackson
Hometown: Salinas, Calif.
Discipline: Reining

Jackson rode at the 2016 WCRHA Year End Youth 13 & Under. She was the 2017 Reining By the Bay Limited Non Pro Champion as well as the CRHA Non Pro Maturity Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 Reserve Champion that same year. Jackson was also the CRHA Youth 14-18 Year End Champion in 2017.

In 2018, Jackson placed ninth Reining By The Bay Non Pro Derby - Level 1 and fourth in the Youth. At the 2018 HRRC Non Pro Stakes, she picked up third, fourth and sixth place finishes in the Level 1, Level 2 and Youth rides, respectively.

She was the 2018 CRHA Amateur Non Pro Derby Champion. This year she had a sixth place showing at the 2019 Cactus Reining Classic Non Pro Derby (Level 1).

"I chose Fresno State because it felt like home," said Jackson. "Not only would I be receiving a great education, but I am also able to pursue my riding career. The coaches and the team are amazing. From the very beginning, I felt like I was a part of the family."

Madelyn Bloom
Hometown: Bonanza, Ore.
Discipline: Reining

Bloom's most recent accomplishments include placing third at the Snaffle Bit Futurity in Reno. She also placed in the top ten in both Ranch Riding and Reining with both of her horses at the Level 1 Championship. She was also Top 5 in Pleasure, Western Riding and Trail with her all around horse. This year at the Quarter Horse Congress, she rode for top 5 placings in all of her classes.

"My mom and dad are both Fresno State alumni and have always told me how great their experience was," said Bloom. "My mom was even on the first year NCAA equestrian team. So when I came for my visit I knew I'd like it but after my visit I fell in love with the school and especially the team and knew I'd found a perfect spot for myself."

"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" - The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please call 559-278-7160.

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Hubbard signs seven in early signing period

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