AUBURN, Ala. – We're at the midseason break and it's time to get to know Auburn equestrian's newcomers! Today we're featuring Alex Ryden!
Hometown: Cary, North Carolina
Discipline: Jumping Seat
Prior to Auburn: Finished sixth at the 2023 WEC Equitation Cup … Top 10 finished at the 2023 Gladston Cup East … Took 10th in the Young Rider division at the 2023 NAYC … Top 15 at 2022 USET Finals East … Top 25 at 2021 USEF Medal Finals … Finished fifth at 2022 Zone 2 Maclay regionals … Took fourth at 2021 North American Equitation Championship.
Q: Why Auburn?
A: "I chose Auburn because of the welcoming community it provides. Upon arrival, I immediately felt at home with my teammates."
Q: What is your major, and what do you hope to do with it after college?
A: "My major is electrical engineering. I am not sure what I want to do with my degree after college. However, I am looking forward to using all of Auburn's student programs and organizations to help me decide."
Q: What is your favorite Auburn tradition?
A: "My favorite Auburn tradition is rolling Toomer's Corner after a football win."
Q: What are you most excited about looking ahead to the spring season?
A: "I am most excited to go to my first SEC and national championships with the team."
Q: What do you miss the most about your hometown and what makes it so special?
A: "I miss my family the most."
Q: What movie could you watch for the rest of your life and why?
A: "I could watch Pitch Perfect for the rest of my life because it is so funny and always cheers me up."
Q: When did you start riding horses and what was the name of your first pony?
A: "I started riding when I was 8-years old and my first pony's name was Beaufort."
Q: What horse is your favorite to ride at Auburn?
A: "My favorite horse at Auburn is DJ."
Q: What is your favorite memory with the team so far?
A: "My favorite memory with the team was our trip to Texas because it was my first time traveling with the team and we had a lot of fun."
Q: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what teammate would you want to be stuck with you and why?
A: "If I were stranded on a deserted island, I would want to be stuck with my roommate, Brooke Jolstad, because I think she would be very resourceful and find a way to escape."
Q: What has been the best advice you've received and who was it from?
A: "The best advice I have received was from Coach Williams when he told me to 'never let anyone out work me.'"
Q: What is your go-to karaoke song?
A: "You Belong With Me by Taylor Swift."