It's time to meet the Auburn equestrian freshman class as we bring you Q&As with the newcomers.
Today we're featuring Caroline Buchanan! Caroline comes to Auburn from Scottsdale, Arizona and has contributed in Reining already this year.
Q: Why Auburn?
A: "I chose Auburn because I loved all of the traditions that Auburn has during athletic events and in general around campus. When I came on my visit, I immediately felt the home environment that Auburn provided, and I felt so welcomed by everyone that I met. I got along with the coaches really well and decided that this was where I wanted to spend the next four years of my life. My sister is also on the team, so I enjoy having her as a sister and a teammate!"
What is your major and what do you hope to do with it after college?
"I am majoring in biomedical sciences. After college I hope to go to dental school and eventually become an orthodontist."
What is your favorite Auburn tradition so far?
"My favorite Auburn tradition so far is the eagle flight around the stadium before a football game. It gives me the chills every time!"
What are you most excited about this season?
"I am most excited about going to Ocala, Florida for the national championships and getting to travel with the whole team."
How are you managing being on the equestrian team and your class load?
"The Auburn staff makes it very manageable when trying to balance the equestrian team and classes. I am able to have time to complete my class work and still enjoy riding horses and hanging out with the girls on the team."
What is your favorite thing to do in Auburn?
"My favorite thing to do in Auburn is go to Chewacla State Park and see the waterfall that they have and walk on all of the trails they have there."
What is your favorite memory with the equestrian team thus far?
"My favorite memory with the team this far was when we traveled to California for a couple meets. I had so much fun with a lot of the girls on all of our long bus rides and plane rides."
What horse is your favorite to ride for Auburn?
"My favorite horse to ride at Auburn is Fiona. She is the smallest one we have, and she has the sweetest personality. She tries so hard when you ride, and I just love her!"
What was your favorite class you took this past semester?
"My favorite class I took this semester was my chemistry lab because I liked being able to see what we were learning hands on."
What does 'War Eagle' mean to you?
"To me, 'War Eagle' shows the tradition that has been held at Auburn for so long and how we continue to hold a fighting spirit through all of the events at Auburn. It gives me confidence that I have this whole community supporting me and that they have my back no matter what happens."
What is it like having your older sister on the team?
"Having my older sister on the team is the cherry on top to this whole experience. It is nice to have someone that you are so close to that is able to help your through your first year and guide you around. My sister and I are very close, so we spend a lot of time together and I was able to adjust very well to the college life with my sister helping me."
What is your favorite thing to do in your hometown?
"My favorite thing to do in my hometown is honestly going to my horse trainers and riding all day. That probably sounds boring, but horses consume most of my time and I ride with my best friend's dad which makes hanging out with them my favorite thing to do.
Being from Arizona, opinions on Dutch Bros? Is it worth the hype on Tiktok?
"I would probably pick Starbucks over Dutch Bros even though they have some pretty cool drinks there. I think it is worth the hype on TikTok because some of their drink mixes are pretty insane."