Parsons will be the first Dartmouth rider to compete in three events at nationals, riding in the open flat, open fences and Cacchione classes. On her road to qualifying, she also became the first person in recent memory to win all three of these events at zones.
Competing against a field of very talented riders from the Northeast, Parsons proved that she belonged with the best.
"That was quite an amazing day," head coach Sally Batton said. "No one can remember the last time at zones when a single rider won all three classes, so it's really quite phenomenal . . . [Her performance] was truly remarkable and the highlight of this season thus far."
Parsons said she was surprised and excited by the results.
"I just remember getting off my horse at the very end of the day, dead tired, couldn't believe I had just ridden so much, and they announced over the loud speaker that I won that class," Parsons said. "I walked over and [Batton] was yelling, 'This has never happened before.'"
The championships, however, were just a culminating point in a season where Parsons was nothing short of dominant.
Parsons entered the season as a stronger rider in the open flat, she said, but began to focus on her jumping, and quickly became a strong competitor in open fences.
"Up until this year, the flat portion was my stronger suit, but this year, it seems that the jumping has been stronger," said Parsons. "Right now, I would say I'm pretty much equally balanced in both, which is kind of nice."
The junior finished in second place or better in one class at every show this season. She won the open flats class at the University of Vermont, Middlebury College and Dartmouth shows, and the open fences class at the Mount Ida College, University of New Hampshire and Dartmouth shows.
Despite her individual success, Parsons said she is very much dedicated to the entire equestrian team. She is the team co-captain, alongside Amanda Watson '09, and said that her favorite part about riding at Dartmouth is the team aspect, which is unique to the collegiate level.
"I really love having a leadership position and being able to share my past experiences and current experiences with my teammates," she said. "All of your successes are enjoyed by everyone, and all the defeats are shared by everyone."
Several of Parsons' teammates spoke highly of her enthusiasm and commitment to the team.
"She's always very supportive of everyone," Natalie Colaneri '12 said. "She always leads the cheers for everyone on the team, and everyone wants her to do really well."
Looking ahead to the national competition, Parsons said she hopes to continue to compete to the best of her ability at the highest level, she said. In order to do that, she will have to remain focused on the task in front of her, she said.
"When you ride, all you're doing is trying to execute what is exactly being asked of you -- focus is everything," Parsons said. "I used to have really bad nerve problems when I was younger, but I've figured out ways to get around that by thinking about what's coming -- going over in my head all the things I've practiced and prepared for."
Parsons' preparation and practice have been paramount to her success, she said. Since she qualified for nationals, Parsons has increased her training regimen to prepare for the show.
"We're stepping it up a notch," Batton said. "I'm having her ride every day, and I'm coaching her three or four days out of each week. With these postseason shows, the judges will ask you for more difficult, complicated maneuvers, so we've really been working a lot on those."
Although Dartmouth has sent competitors to the national championships each of the past five years, none have won a national title. Parsons will try to be the first when she competes next weekend.
"My goal for nationals this year is just to go and have a good time -- to ride my best," she said. "To go out there and say, 'I gave it my all.'"
The national championships will take place from April 23 to 26 at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
