Amanda Ronan, Auburn Media Relations Intern
The best advice that freshman Emma Kurtz has ever received is etched on a little patch that remains in her pocket on meet day. She does not enter the ring unless she has that patch in her pocket. It says to 'ride the horse that you have today'. She holds onto this advice, and it helps her through each meet with all the confidence that she needs.
"You can't always control how the horse will behave, and it's so important to be able to cope and adapt to their needs that day," Kurtz said. "I have a little patch with that exact advice etched on it and I don't walk in the ring without it in my pocket."
Before arriving to the Plains, Kurtz had an impressive list of accomplishments and plans to carry her abilities over to her equestrian career at Auburn.
"I hope to contribute to the team this year in any way that will best help them succeed, whether it be on a horse or on the ground," Kurtz said.
After a solid fall season, Kurtz is 3-1-0 overall in Hunter Seat with a 2-0-0 mark in Equitation on the Flat. She recently picked up the first Fences win of her career on the road, topping her Georgia opponent with an impressive 89 points.
Q: What made you want to come to Auburn?
A: What made me want to come to Auburn was not just the talent of this team and its coaching staff, but also the love and respect everyone has for one another. Everyone wants to see you succeed on a personal level just as much as they want the entire team to succeed.
Q: What makes Auburn unique from other schools and places?
A: Auburn is unique from other schools and places because of the strong sense of family everyone feels, whether they be teammates or two students who have never met. This team in itself is unique because of its desire to always be setting the bar, not just on a horse but off the horse as well.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of equestrian?
A: My favorite aspect of equestrian is that it always keeps you on your toes. Horses can be so unpredictable and have a unique way of keeping you humble, which I love.
Q: What is your biggest goal athletically while being at Auburn?
A: My biggest goal athletically while at Auburn is to win rings — as many as possible!
Q: What is your biggest goal academically while being at Auburn?
A: My biggest goal academically while being at Auburn is to graduate from its Honors College program.
Q: What is your biggest goal in life?
A: My biggest goal in life is to be happy in whatever I choose to do.
Q: What is the best advice you've ever gotten and who gave it to you?
A: The best advice I've ever gotten when I'm on a horse is to ride the horse you have that day. You can't always control how the horse will behave, and it's so important to be able to cope and adapt to their needs that day. I have a little patch with that exact advice etched on it and I don't walk in the ring without it in my pocket.
Q: Who is your biggest fan and why?
A: My biggest fans are my parents. They've been supportive of me and my brother in every way possible to help us succeed in each of our sports.
Q: What is your favorite class that you're in this semester and why?
A: My favorite class I'm in this semester is Microeconomics because I didn't take a class like that in high school and it challenges me and keeps me focused.
Q: What's your favorite Auburn tradition?
A: My favorite Auburn tradition is rolling Toomer's corner because it's not something any other school does.
Q: What is your favorite horse movie?
A: My favorite horse movie is Secretariat.
Q: What is your mindset going into your first year as an Auburn athlete?
A: My mindset going into my first year as an Auburn athlete is to do my part. I always want to be doing my part and keeping up with all the other girls who have been here for a few years.
Q: If you could give a message to the Auburn Family, what would it be?
A: I would tell the Auburn Family to keep doing what they're doing.
