April 25, 2017
AUBURN, Ala. ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" The Auburn equestrian team put a stamp on another successful season last week, honoring its student-athletes at the annual banquet in the Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center.
The Tigers recognized the efforts of each class, especially those by the team's six seniors ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" Caroline Becker, Ashley Foster, Lena Hernig, Tory Hoft, Jacqueline Shilen, Hannah Stephens.
In the team-voted awards, freshman Kara Kaufmann was named the Horsemanship Most Valuable Player and overall Rookie of the Year. The Belvidere, N.J., product earned NCEA All-America first team recognition in Horsemanship, while being named the SEC's Freshman Horsemanship Rider of the Year. The All-SEC performer finished with 11 wins on the year to lead the team in the event.
Foster took home the overall Hunt Seat MVP as well as the Fences MVP honor. The senior from Brookeville, Md., had a team-best 24 wins on the year with 13 coming in Equitation Over Fences. She added 11 victories in Equitation on the Flat. Foster garnered NCEA All-America first team honors in Fences, while being named to the All-SEC team in both Fences and Flat.
Hoft was named the Flat MVP, while sophomore Hayley Iannotti was recognized with the coaches Hunt Seat award. Hoft had an outstanding senior season, tying a career-best with 10 wins and picking up NCEA All-America honorable mention honors in the event. Iannotti was second overall on the squad with 21 victories and had an impressive 12-1 record in Flat for the Tigers. She garnered NCEA All-America first team and All-SEC recognition for her efforts.
Sophomore Betsy Brown was honored by her team with the Reining MVP award. The Waxhaw, N.C., product totaled nine wins in the event and closed out the season on a seven-match winning streak. Brown earned NCEA Reining Rider of the Month recognition for her undefeated efforts in March.
Junior Alexa Rivard picked up the overall Western MVP award, while Stephens was given the coaches Western award. Rivard's 10 wins in Reining led the squad and the Suwanee, Ga., native earned her second-consecutive conference honor by being placed on the All-SEC team. Stephens, of Fort Valley, Va., was named an NCEA All-America second team honoree and finished her final season on The Plains with seven wins in Horsemanship.
Once again, sophomore Caitlin Creel earned the team's Spirit Award, while senior Becker was honored with the Unsung Hero award. The Morgan McQuay Work Horse award went to junior Abby Wagner.
The Tigers finished the 2016-17 season with a 10-5 record and a 4-2 mark in the SEC regular season competition. The team led the country with nine NCEA All-Americans and finished with six All-SEC honorees.
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