Amanda Ronan, Auburn Media Relations Intern
When asked how to sell the idea of equestrian to someone who has no clue about the sport, the first thing that happens to freshman Meghan Knapic is that her eyes light up. That look in her eye sold the sport on its own and shows her unconditional love for the world she is a part of.
Before Knapic came to Auburn, she had multiple championships in junior hunters and classic wins including at WEF Garden State HITS, Knapic was the eighth in the International Derby at The Ridge, 2017 HITS Circuit Champion in the Children's Jumpers, 2016 Team Gold/Individual Bronze Zone 2 Children's Jumper Finals, 2016 Winner of HITS Culpepper Equitation Classic, 2016 HITS Circuit Champion in the Junior Hunters and 2016 and 2017 qualifier for USEF Medal Finals and ASPCA Maclay Finals.
Q: Why did you want to come to Auburn?
A: I just loved the campus, everyone on the team, all the coaches. All the staff and support that we have is great. Everything about Auburn made me want to come to Auburn.
Q: What's your favorite Auburn tradition?
A: My favorite Auburn tradition is definitely Rolling Toomer's. It's so awesome. I love how everyone gets so excited. The student section at the football games is incredible.
Q: What's the biggest difference you've noticed from the Northeast and the South?
A: The people. The people here are very sweet. Not that they aren't where I'm from, it's just different. It's the southern hospitality.
Q: What are you most excited for during your time at Auburn?
A: I'm really excited about getting to know new people. It's cool that there's so many people at Auburn that are from all over the country, and even the world.
Q: What's your favorite aspect of equestrian?
A: Being able to connect with the horses. Every horse you ride is different. Every horse has their own personality. It's kind of like a team within a team. I really love it.
Q: If you had to sell the idea of equestrian to someone, how would you?
A: I love equestrian because it's the only sport where you get to be on something (a horse) that you can't communicate with. You can talk to them, but they don't understand you. You can have a relationship with the horses and you can get them to trust you. You can do it all with them. It's just a 50/50 partnership. There's days where you blame yourself and there's days where you get mad at the horses, but it's also the most humbling sport. You really lose more than you win, but you always learn from your losses. The sport really gives you a special feeling.
Q: Who is your biggest fan and why?
A: I'd have to say one of my trainers back home, Jenna Weinfurt. She's supported me since I was like 13. She's really helped me turn into who I am. She's always been there for me riding wise. My parents too, obviously. They're huge fans of my riding career. She's just really helped me get to where I am.
Q: What makes equestrian unique compared to other sports at Auburn?
A: It's unique because first off, not a lot of people know about how equestrian works. It's really different from like football and soccer. It's very unique because we get to do all the background work. Especially the behind-the-scenes stuff. Other teams have practice and workouts, we do too, but we also have to take care of the horses and be here all the time. It's just different.
Q: What's your favorite home-cooked meal?
A: I would have to say when my dad barbeques. Like burgers and stuff, he's really good at it.
Q: How do you plan to help your team during your freshman year?
A: I just plan on being there for them no matter what. If they ever need anything, I want them to know that they can call me for whatever. I'll always be there for my teammates. I'll always support and cheer them on at the meets.
Q: What's your biggest goal athletically while being at Auburn?
A: My biggest goal is definitely to win some rings with my team. I also want to get stronger on the workout side. All of that is new for me. As far as a personal goal, I want to get stronger and better with working out.
Q: What makes Auburn unique from other schools?
A: It's the biggest support group you have. Everything is top notch. Everyone takes care of the school so beautifully. It's amazing here.
Q: If you could give a message to the Auburn Family, what would it be?
A: Thank you for supporting us and helping us be one of the best teams!
Get To Know...Meghan Knapic
