Oct. 19, 2016
AUBURN, Ala. ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" The No. 2 Auburn equestrian team is set to host Alabama for an exhibition meet Friday at 3 p.m. CT at the Auburn University Horse Center. The meet will feature hunt seat competition only.
"This being a hunt seat only event makes it a little fun because the work load on our team is diminished some," head coach Greg Williams said. "It allows a larger portion of the team to enjoy cheering on their teammates. However, this is still a very important meet. We're allowed to take one non-NCEA meet and count the stats for individual honors and All-America points. Alabama has become a really good team in a short amount of team, so if they join the NCEA and go varsity soon, they will be a postseason threat fast."
PROMOTIONS
It's "Pumpkins & Ponies" Day at the Auburn University Horse Center. Fans can carve and paint pumpkins while cheering on Auburn. The team is also giving away Auburn beanies while supplies last. As always, there will be pony rides, a mini jump course and paint/pet a pony for kids.
AUBURN LINEUP
Auburn's (3-1) lineup features familiar faces as all but one rider has competed in regular competition this season. The teams will have six riders per event.
Riding for the Tigers in Equitation Over Fences will be senior Ashley Foster, sophomores Caitlin Boyle, Ashton Alexander and Hayley Iannotti, and freshmen Summer Hill and Becky Kozma. Foster is a perfect 4-0 on the year in the event with one MOP honor, while Boyle stands at 3-1 in the event with an MOP nod.
Auburn's Equitation on the Flat lineup also features Foster, Boyle, Alexander and Iannotti. Joining the four is senior Tory Hoft and junior Caitlin Creel. Hoft has a team-best three wins in the event.
FIFTEENTH SEASON OF VARSITY EQUESTRIAN
The 2016-17 season marks the 15th year of varsity equestrian at Auburn. Head coach Greg Williams has guided the Tigers since the program was recognized by the Athletics Department and has amassed an impressive 121-49 overall record.
In 14 years, Auburn has earned four NCEA Championships (2006, 2011, 2013, 2016), one Southeastern Conference title (2016), three Southern Equestrian Conference crowns (2004, 2010, 2011) and three NCEA Hunt Seat championships (2008, 2011, 2013).
Individually, Auburn boasts 41 All-Americans and 34 All-SEC selections. The Southeastern Conference first began sponsoring equestrian in 2012-13.
UP NEXT
Auburn takes a couple weeks off before hitting the road for a big Southeastern Conference meet. The Tigers will travel to No. 3 Georgia, Nov. 11., for a 12 p.m. CT faceoff.
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