AUBURN, Ala. – We're at the midseason break and it's time to get to know Auburn equestrian's newcomers! Today we're featuring Riley Parker!
Hometown: Tallahassee, Florida
Discipline: Jumping Seat
Prior to Auburn: Top finishes in 3'3 and 3'6 Large Junior Hunters … Finished third at the 2018 Rocky Mountain Showjumping … Competed at the 2020 Southeast Medal Finals, finishing eighth in Children Hunters.
Q: Why Auburn?
A: "I was a huge Auburn fan growing up because a lot of my family went to the school. My dad and my aunt were athletes here as well. Auburn has always felt like home to me, so I always knew it was exactly where I wanted to be!"
Q: What is your major, and what do you hope to do with it after college?
A: "I am a business major, and I plan to sell residential real estate after college."
Q: What is your favorite Auburn tradition?
A: "My favorite Auburn tradition is watching the eagle fly in Jordan-Hare Stadium before each home game."
Q: What are you most excited about looking ahead to the spring season?
A: "I am most excited about getting to experience both SEC Championships and nationals."
Q: What are you goals for the spring individual and with the team?
A: "I want to continue to work hard in and out of the arena and be as strong and consistent as I can. I also look forward to continue to build relationships within the team and help each other grow and become the best versions of ourselves while we all work together through the semester."
Q: What is your favorite Auburn sport to watch besides equestrian and why?
A: "I love watching Auburn football because the environment in the stadium is so fun and there are so many cool traditions that we get to see on gamedays."
Q: What is your favorite study spot on campus and why?
A: "My favorite spot to study is SADC because it is a great place to focus, and I can study with my teammates there as well."
Q: What is the biggest lesson you've learned from being on the team so far?
A: "I think the biggest lesson I have learned on the team is that we are not just accountable for ourselves but for all of us. In the past, when we were showing or riding, we weren't used to being on a team because it was just you and your horses. So, it has been really cool to be able to have such a great group of girls working hard for each other."
Q: How long have you been riding and what was your first pony's name?
A: "I have been riding my whole life, but I started competing when I was around nine years old. My first pony's name was Oreo."
Q: What is your favorite home-cooked meal?
A: "My favorite home cooked meal is probably a good steak."
Q: What fashion trend do you hope never comes back?
A: "I really hope that jeggings never come back into style."
Q: Which horse is your favorite to ride at Auburn and why?
A: "My favorite horse to ride at Auburn is probably Chippy because he is super comfortable and has a great personality."