AUBURN, Ala. – Freshman McKayla Langmeier and sophomore Taylor Searles were named NCEA February Rider of the Month in their respective events, the national office announced Thursday.
Langmeier earned the first monthly honor of her career, picking up Equitation on the Flat Rider of the Month after putting together a 5-0 record in the event with one Most Outstanding Performer award. Langmeier's performances helped the Tigers sweep four of five opponents faced in the event during February and her margin of victory was 12 points.
The East Granby, Conn., native won the first Flat MOP of her career to open the month vs. then-No. 9 Delaware State (Feb. 1), scoring 80 points in her 10-point win. She followed with a 17-point victory on the road at then-No. 10 Fresno State (Feb. 2).
At home vs. No. 10 UT Martin (Feb. 8), Langmeier earned a career-best 91 in her victory. She capped the month with back-to-back wins by 10 points, including a road win at then-No. 3 South Carolina (2/16).
Searles was recognized for her performances in Horsemanship, finishing with a 5-0 record and one MOP. She averaged a 74.4 with a four-point margin of victory over the five meets.
The Scottsdale, Ariz., product kicked off February with 71.5 points in her win vs. then-No. 9 DSU. She followed with a 10-point victory at Fresno State, 73.5-63.5.
At home the following weekend, Searles scored back-to-back 77s vs. No. 10 UT Martin and South Dakota State (Feb. 9), setting a career high with those scores. Her win vs. the Skyhawks gave her the first MOP honor of her season, while her victory against the Jackrabbits helped the Tigers sweep SD State in the event.
Searles finished the month with a big win on the road at then-No. 3 South Carolina, topping her opponent with 73 points.
Auburn concludes the 2018-19 regular season Friday, March 8, hosting No. 7 Georgia. The Tigers and the Bulldogs will go head-to-head at 3 p.m. CT at the Auburn University Equestrian Center and the squad will honor its 15 seniors during the meet.