AUBURN, Ala - The top-ranked Auburn equestrian team has welcomed 22 new faces to the squad in 2024-25 and it’s time to get to know them!
It’s Meet Week and we’re featuring Catie Reachard!
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania
Discipline: Western
Prior to Auburn: 2022-23 IEA crossover rider … 2024 IEA open team reining champion … IEA open team/individual reserve champion horsemanship … 2023 intermediate reining team/individual champion 2023 … 2023 intermediate horsemanship team champion.
Q: Why Auburn?
A: “When I was younger, I always followed along with Auburn’s team on social media and dreamed of getting to be a part of it. So, it was extremely exciting for me when the opportunity to come became a reality for me. I also really enjoyed the coaches at Auburn and how much support they offered when I was applying and throughout my whole transition into college athletics.”
Q: What is your major, and what are your plans to do with it after college?
A: “I am a finance major, and I hope that it will benefit me whether I decide to go pro or work another job.”
Q: What would you say your biggest accomplishment has been thus far in life?
A: “My biggest accomplishment in life so far is getting accepted into Auburn. I always dreamed of riding on their team, but I was unsure that I would ever have the opportunity and everyday it feels sort of surreal.”
Q: What are you looking forward to heading into your spring season?
A: “I am looking forward to getting to experience SECs and nationals after hearing about it from the upperclassmen.”
Q: What was the biggest surprise moving from Pennsylvania to Alabama?
A: “The weather is so nice here! I had been in a t-shirt every day at practice for the entire first semester. Back home I would already be in my puffer by Halloween!”
Q: When and why did you start riding horses?
A: “I started riding a tiny bit when I was five. My aunt had a horse, and she would take me to see her often. Her horse was so sweet, and I loved getting to spend time with her, so I started lessons when I got a little bit older.”
Q: What do you hope to accomplish while on the team?
A: “I hope to help my team accomplish being a championship winning team all four years that I am here, whatever my role is at that given time I want to be the best I can at it.”
Q: What is your favorite thing to do with friends?
A: “My favorite thing to do with friends is walk around downtown and look in the stores.”
Q: What would you tell your younger self?
A: “Just go to work and give 100 percent every day and it will all fall into place.”
Q: Favorite movie?
A: “My favorite movie is The Proposal.”
Q: Who is your favorite Auburn horse to ride?
A: "My favorite horses are Bullet, GT, and Athena. They’re all so different but I don’t think I could pick between those three."