It's time to meet the Auburn equestrian freshman class as we bring you Q&As with the newcomers. Our last freshman feature of the year is Reining specialist, Isabella Tesmer!
Hometown: Mount Orab, Ohio
Major: Pre-Business
Prior to Auburn: 2018 NRBC Rookie Champion … 2019 Bill Bradley Rookie Champion … 2017 OQHA Year End Point Champion … Three-time Top 3 All American Quarter Horse Congress … Multiple Top 10 All American Quarter Horse Congress finishes.
Q: Why did you choose Auburn?
A: I chose Auburn because of the family atmosphere. When I stepped on campus I instantly felt at home and that was a key factor in my decision making. I also chose Auburn because of the equestrian family and the work ethic that this team has.
How long have you been riding and what is the name of the first pony you rode?
I have been riding for a long as I can remember. I got my first pony when I was three years old. Her name was Brownie. She was a miniature pony with a big attitude. She had a bad habit of laying down with me as soon as I would get on.
What is one interesting fact about your hometown?
I live in a small town called Mt. Orab, Ohio. It is a quite boring town; however, we have a restaurant called Skyline Chili. It is chili, spaghetti, and cheese. It is really a Cincinnati thing, but I will let Mt. Orab claim the title of having the best Skyline Chili of Cincinnati. I love Skyline with my whole heart. In fact, my roommate, Helen Lohr, can attest to me having 15 cans of Skyline Chili in our kitchen at all times.
You picked up two big wins for the Tigers in the fall. What was it like to compete in your first meet at Georgia and then also get to ride at home vs. Texas A&M?
I was nervous to compete for the first time in my collegiate career. However, I was also confident in myself because Auburn equestrian has the best coaches, staff, and teammates. I knew that if my team had confidence in me, there should be no reason I was not confident. Picking up my first win at Georgia was an amazing moment for me and I am glad I had my teammates there to cheer me on. I was honored to ride at home vs. Texas A&M and get more experience in the show pen. I am honored to represent such an amazing equestrian program.
What is your favorite dessert and why?
I don't really have a sweet tooth, but if I had to pick a favorite dessert it would be chocolate chip cookies. I like chocolate chip cookies because they are sweet enough without being overwhelming. The most ideal dessert would be the chocolate chip cookie without the chocolate chips. Those might exist but I haven't found them yet.
If you're stranded on a deserted island, what three teammates do you bring with and why?
If I had to choose three teammates to be stranded on a deserted island, my first pick would be Jacqueline Frimodt. She is one of my closest friends and I think if we were stranded on an island, she would find something to bypass the time. She would probably have us make friendship bracelets out of the wilderness. I would also bring Grace Pearson. She is one of the funniest people I have ever met. She knows what I'm thinking before I even think about it. My final choice of teammate is the hardest because they are all so amazing. I would pick Gracie Sullivan. Gracie is one of the most genuine people I have ever met. She would definitely keep my mind in a good place and radiate positive thoughts no matter what.
What is your favorite thing about competing in Reining and why?
Reining is such a high intensity discipline. I think my favorite thing about competing in the Reining is the willingness of the horses. Although collegiate horses are not so willing as others, they are still asked of so much. We have good-hearted horses here at Auburn and I am blessed to spend my time around these horses. My favorite maneuver in the Reining would either be the stops or the circles. Stopping Reining horses is what reining is known for, but I really like circling horses because you can add your own style.
What is your major and what do you plan on doing with it?
I am currently a Pre-Business major. I plan on majoring in Finance. I am still unsure as to what I want to do with my degree. I came into Auburn with a very open mind with a special interest in Business.
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
My favorite thing to do in my free time is to hang out with my teammates who double as my best friends. I am biased but these girls are amazing, and I would not want to spend my time with anyone else. Normally we just hand out around South Donahue.
What movie could you watch on repeat and why would you choose that?
As a child I would watch the Rocky movie series on repeat. I love these movies because the main theme is victory for the underdog. This gave me a sense of courage. You are able to do anything you want to if you put your mind to it you can do anything. Goals come with hard-work, and hard-work comes with success.
How would your friends and family describe you in three words?
I would say my friends and family would describe me in three words as passionate, hard-working, and reliable.
What is your go-to pizza toppings and why?
My go-to pizza toppings are definitely cheese, pepperoni, occasionally minced garlic, and Italian sausage. I think this topping combination is elite on pizza. The minced garlic could possibly be a dangerous game sometimes because it might be burnt and that would most definitely ruin the pizza.
If you had the opportunity to do any other sport, what would it be and why?
If I had the opportunity to do any other sport it would be gymnastics. I am one of the least flexible people I have ever met. I think gymnastics is a very demanding sport and pushes your bodies limits. I am inspired by any level of gymnast for those reasons.
Favorite spot-on campus?
My favorite spot on campus is South Donahue. Due to COVID-19, I have not had the opportunity to explore campus. I love South Donahue because this is where most of my closest friends and teammates live.
What has been your favorite memory so far with your teammates?
I have had a lot of good memories with my teammates so far and it is hard to pick just one. If I were to specifically choose one, it would be the South Donahue Nerf Gun War. This was the first time I was able to bond with upperclassmen and make memories with the whole team.