AUBURN, Ala. – The No. 1 Auburn equestrian team returns to the Auburn University Equestrian Center Friday for the squad's annual Orange and Blue Scrimmage. Action starts at 3 p.m. CT and admission is free.
"We know what the upperclassmen can do so we're really looking to see how the freshmen respond in a meet-day atmosphere," head coach Greg Williams said. "They all practice differently from the way they compete so it will be fun to see what we have out there. It will be a great opportunity for Jessica Braswell and Mary Meneely narrow our strategies for the upcoming season."
Many of the normal fan-friendly activities will be on site for those in attendance. Kids will be able to "paint a pony" as well as take part in pony rides throughout the meet.
ORANGE LINEUP
On the Hunt Seat side of competition, sophomore Carly Hoft and freshman McKayla Langmeier are set to represent the Orange squad in both Equitation Over Fences and Equitation on the Flat. Joining the pair in Fences will be senior Ashton Alexander, junior Kennedy Knapic and sophomores Ericka Koscinski and Emma Crosbie.
Riding for the Orange on Flat with Hoft and Langmeier will be seniors Hayley Iannotti, Mackenzie Michaels and Casey Schmitz. Iannotti returns for her final campaign on the Plains as the reigning SEC Flat Rider of the Year.
The Orange team's Horsemanship lineup features three seniors in Lauren Diaz, Emma Paul and Megan Rauh. Diaz has been a mainstay in the Tiger lineup since her freshman season. Joining the trio will be sophomore Anna Enos and freshman Ellie Becker.
The Reining corps is highlighted by senior Blair McFarlin and sophomore Terri-June Granger. McFarlin has also been a mainstay in Auburn's reining lineup, while Granger returns after an outstanding first season on the Plains. Sophomore Taylor Searles and freshman Peyton Hall are also slated to compete.
BLUE LINEUP
Equitation Over Fences for the Blue squad features a variety of experienced veterans and incoming talent. Senior Alex Ladove and sophomore Taylor St. Jacques highlight the group as Ladove was a 2017 All-American in the event and St. Jacques picked up the honors in 2018. Juniors Anna Claire Smith and Lillian Wagner are also set to compete, while freshmen Meghan Knapic and Emma Kurtz will also ride.
Kurtz and Knapic are slated to represent Blue in Equitation on the Flat with senior Caitlin Boyle and junior Becky Kozma joining them. Boyle returns as an All-American in the event, while also picking up NCEA All-Championship honors last season. Sophomore Helen Ulrich, who competed for AU in the event vs. Ole Miss in 2017-18, will also ride.
Returning senior All-American Kelsey Jung and juniors Kara Kaufmann and Haley Pembroke are set to go for Blue in Horsemanship. Sophomore Taylor Searles joins the upperclassman after putting together a strong finish to her freshman campaign last year. Newcomer Emma Brown is coming off a successful summer and will round out the event lineup.
Highlighting the Reining group are seniors Betsy Brown and Ali Fratessa. Brown returns to the Plains as the reigning SEC Reining Rider of the Year. Sophomore Deanna Green and freshman Charlie Sue Pates will also go in the event for Blue.
RINGS WEEKEND
In addition to the scrimmage, the Tigers will be celebrating the 2018 NCEA National Championship this weekend.
"We're really looking forward to coming together and celebrating the amazing achievements that group experienced together," Williams said. "It'll be one of the first times we've gotten to not only have a ring ceremony, but have a banquet together. It is an important weekend for this team as it allows them to remember what they've accomplished."
In addition to the ring ceremony and banquet Friday night, the team will be recognized on the field during the Auburn football game vs. LSU Saturday.
"There is nothing like celebrating a national championship with the Auburn family," Williams added. "It's going to be a special weekend."