Senior Day for the 2021-22 Auburn equestrian team is set for Feb. 26 vs. Texas A&M and it's time to catch up with those spending their last season on the Plains.
Peyton Hall came to the Plains from Shreveport, Louisiana and provided depth in Reining all four years. She picked up two wins for the Tigers in 2019-20 and has scored a career-best 74 while riding for Auburn. The NCEA and SEC Academic Honor Roll honoree will graduate with a degree in animal sciences and plans on attending vet school.
Q: How is this season different knowing it's your last year on the Plains?
"This season is very bittersweet. I'm really excited for what comes next for me, but I'll miss being around the team every day."
Q: How has your experience prepared you for life beyond college?
"I am very confident working with a large group of people now. I was very shy coming into college, so the team allowed me to grow more comfortable in a group setting and, in my last two years, take on a leadership role for the underclassmen."
Q: What would you like to say to the fans and the rest of the Auburn Family?
"Thank you for always supporting Auburn equestrian in everything we do. The Auburn Family is unlike anything else. When I stepped on campus as a freshman, I immediately felt welcomed. Four years later, I still feel the support of the Auburn Family on a daily basis."
Q: Looking back on all the big moments you've been a part of, what is one that really stands out?
"My freshman season when we won the national championship is the highlight of my time at Auburn. Being part of the first team to have an undefeated regular season, an SEC championship win, and a national championship win was something I'll never forget. I remember looking at my teammates after we had won and realizing that we had really done it. We had accomplished what no one else had ever done before. It was a very close meet and it actually came down to the last ride. I'll never forget the feeling when the final score came in and the announcer came over the speaker to say Auburn won."
Q: If you had one piece of advice to give your younger self, what would it be?
"I would tell myself to enjoy the ride. Four years goes by faster than I ever thought it would. It's easy to get caught up in the hectic schedule and forget to be in the moment. The memories I made with Auburn equestrian will stay with me for my lifetime, so I wish I had taken a little more time to appreciate the extraordinary group of girls I get to ride with and the experiences we got to share."
Q: What is your major and what is the next step for you after Auburn?
"I am an Animal Sciences – Pre-Vet major. I'm currently waiting on decisions from veterinary schools, but hopefully the next step for me will be attending veterinary school."
Q: Going into the rest of the season, what is one thing you're looking forward to?
"I'm looking forward to the national championship. I'm really excited about what this group can accomplish in the postseason. Our team is more close-knit than it's been my entire time at Auburn. We're all ready to support each other going into the championship and go win some rings."
Q: Who is/was your favorite horse at Auburn and why?
"My favorite horse at Auburn is Angel. In collegiate equestrian, it's very difficult to find a horse as honest and willing as she is. She may not be the most talented, but she makes up for it in heart. She's very easy going and is always happy to do her job."
Q: What is your favorite Auburn tradition and why?
"My favorite Auburn tradition is probably the eagle flight before football games. The energy in the stadium always kicks up when the eagle is released and all of Auburn can hear the 'War Eagle the crowd yells. It just goes to show the support the Auburn Family has for its sports teams."
Q: Best Greg Williams quote?
"'Be your sisters' keeper' is my favorite Greg Williams quote. There are plenty of funny ones, but this one really embodies Auburn equestrian. For me, this quote shows that Auburn equestrian is a group of 40 sisters. Over the years, everyone gets extremely close. Additionally, it shows that we always have each other's back. Whether it's supporting someone that's riding or helping with something that's not team-related, every girl can rely on each one of her teammates to be a support system when she needs it."
Catching Up with Peyton Hall
