July 26, 2017
By: Margaret Hurt
To many current and former Auburn equestrian student-athletes, Indy Roper is considered one of the greatest riders to have ever been part of the four-time national championship program. A First Team Academic honoree and multiple First Team All-American in Reining and Horsemanship, Roper was a versatile powerhouse.
The current Auburn record holder for most career wins in Reining (34), Roper joined the team as a Horsemanship recruit but quickly found herself on the Reining roster as well. She also previously held the record for most career wins in Horsemanship (34) until Griffin Knight surpassed her after the 2015-16 season.
During her time at Auburn, Roper competed 44 meets in Reining, fifth most in Auburn history, and 51 meets in Horsemanship, third most in Auburn history. She also set records for single-season wins in both events, winning 12 matchups during her junior season and 11 during her senior season. As a freshman, Roper also set a record for most single-season wins in Horsemanship with 10 victories.
After graduating in 2013 with a degree in finance and a scholarship from the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Committee, Roper attended law school and now works as a Law Clerk in the Northern District of Indiana. Roper continues to dedicate time to riding with her family and hopes that her two nieces will one day become Auburn equestrians.
Q: What made you want to come to Auburn?
A: "I came to Auburn because of its wonderful educational opportunities, the beautiful campus, and the camaraderie of the team."
Q: What do you value most about the time you spent at Auburn?
A: "I valued my overall experience at Auburn as a student and as an athlete. I believe my time at Auburn was instrumental in shaping me to be the person I am today and helped springboard me into my future. However, I truly valued the time I spent with the girls on the team and the memories that I made."
Q: What is your favorite Auburn tradition? Why?
A: "My favorite Auburn tradition is watching Nova circle Jordan-Hare on football Saturdays. It truly is something special and the atmosphere in the stadium it creates is incredible. WAR EAGLE!"
Q: What was your favorite event to compete? Why?
A: "My favorite event was Reining. I was recruited as a Horsemanship rider, but mid-way through first semester of freshman year, I started practicing with the Reiners a couple times a week. I distinctly remember that my first week of practice was one-on-ones with Coach Williams. The decision to starting reining completely changed the direction of my horse-riding career. I love the difficulty of the event. It allows you to showcase your skills as a horseman and gives you the opportunity to out-ride your competitor."
Q: What do you think is the most important thing you learned while being on the team?
A: "I learned about teamwork and what it truly means. Auburn equestrian embodies the word 'team' and I think any past and current athletes would agree with that statement. From my personal victories to my defeats it was always about the team and improving so we could achieve the ultimate goal of a national championship."
Q: Was there anyone on the team who was a role model to you?
A: "Without question, I had so many role models. As a freshman, Jessica Jones, an incredible Horsemanship rider who I can't help but mention went undefeated her senior year, took me under her wing. She helped me learn how to adapt to collegiate horses and the importance of analyzing a Horsemanship pattern. During my time at Auburn, the caliber of riders both in Reining and Horsemanship got better and better. That depth helped push me to elevate my riding. I learned something from so many of the girls, regardless if they were upper or lower classmen."
Q: Who impacted you the most during your time at Auburn?
A: "I can't pinpoint one person because in some way or another I was impacted by every teammate that I established a relationship with. Auburn has a real knack for attracting great people."
Q: What do you miss most about Auburn?
AL "I miss having the opportunity to compete for something that is bigger than myself."
Q: How do you think being on the team and attending Auburn helped you prepare for life after college?
A: "Being on the team has helped me instrumentally for life after college. I attribute my success in law school and now in beginning my legal career from the lessons I learned while on the team. The team equips you with skills to deal with a whole magnitude of different situations and people."
Q: If you could do it all over again, is there anything you would change?
A: "Like any true competitor, I wish I could have brought more SEC and national championships home to Auburn, but overall it was a great time in my life and I forever will be grateful for the opportunities, friendships, and memories I made on the Plains."