Oct. 25, 2005
AUBURN - The Auburn equestrian team defeated Stephen F. Austin by a final score of 1,195-1,101.5 in their home opener Saturday to begin the season with a 2-0 record.
For Auburn, the freshmen contributed a total of 374.5 points to the final.
"On the western end, the freshmen did great," said Auburn head coach Gregg Williams. "Our reiners stepped it up better than they ever had and that was something that we were really looking to see happen.
"On the hunt seat end we made a lot of changes just to see what the freshmen would do at different positions. They performed very well," said Williams.
The Tigers took command in every category, winning the hunt seat side by 70 points and the western by 23.5.
"Today we were looking for fundamentally good rides and I think that we got that," said Williams.
The high rider of the meet was junior Natalie Burton who contributed 80 points on hunt seat equitation.
"It is always exciting to get the high ride and makes me feel proud of myself," said Burton. "The flat isn't really my strong suit, but it was good for us and helped push it over the top."
"We rode better today than what I expected," said Williams, "and we hope to keep that going against South Carolina."
The Tigers continue their season Nov. 5, when they host SEC rival South Carolina at the Auburn Horse Unit at 10 am.
For Additional Information, contact: Audrea Harker at (334) 844-9800 October 22, 2005