Get To Know: Emerson Ricketts

AUBURN, Ala. – The No. 3 Auburn equestrian team is kicking off the 2025-26 season in October and welcomed nine fresh faces to the squad—let’s get to know them!

It’s a great day to get to know Emerson Ricketts!

Class: Freshman
Hometown: Chicago, Ill.
Discipline: Jumping Seat
Prior to Auburn: Sixth at Zone 5 Hamel Regionals … Qualified for USHJA Jumping Seat Finals and NHS Finals … Multiple top finishes at WEC Ocala … 2021 Reserve Champion in IEA Nationals.

Q: What made you want to go to Auburn?
A: “What made me want to attend Auburn was the amazing riding family and vet school program as an animal science major. I was also tired of the frigid Chicago winters.”

Q: How long have you been riding horses?
A: “I have been riding horses since I was five years old so I’m 13 years in now.”

Q: What was the name of your first horse?
A: “The name of my first horse was Teddy.”

Q: What’s the biggest lesson horseback riding has taught you about yourself?
A: “The biggest lesson riding has taught me about myself is how resilient I am. Riding is such a mental sport, and being able to adapt and recover from challenges in a timely manner is a huge part of being successful.”

Q: What is the most challenging part about balancing academics and being a student-athlete?
A: “The most challenging part about balancing academics with being a student-athlete is not letting yourself burn out. As someone who is super ambitious, it took me a while to realize that taking care of yourself first is so important and that doesn't make you lazy or selfish. It makes you aware when you need to take a step back. It's ok to take the weekend, and ‘bed-rot’ all day, or save an assignment until tomorrow if it's not due immediately. Self-care is more important than you know.”

Q: What are some hobbies and activities you enjoy doing outside of riding?
A: “A hobby I really enjoy outside of riding is baking. It brings me so much joy to bake for my family and friends. I make killer brown butter chocolate chip cookies and brownies.”

Q: What is one piece of advice you would give younger riders who want to compete in college? 
A: “One piece of advice I would give younger riders who aspire to ride in college is that it's never over until it's over. Never give up or assume an outcome is certain until the situation has truly concluded. Keep trying, keep working, no matter what, and you will be rewarded.”

Q: Describe the Auburn equestrian team in one word. 
A: “Committed/dedicated.”

Q: If you could ride anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
A: “If I could ride anywhere in the world, I would ride anywhere in Europe. I have never ridden out of the country, and it would be cool to experience what riding is like in such a different place.”

Q: Who or what inspires you most when you ride?
A: “My mom and dad inspire me most when I ride. They are the most devoted parents and hardworking people I know. They have always been my biggest cheerleaders. This lifestyle definitely wasn't their wallet’s first pick, but they have always supported my dreams and stood right beside me to make them happen. They always #findaway.”

Q: What’s one thing about Auburn equestrian that most people don’t know? 
A: “One thing about Auburn equestrian that most people don't know is how hardworking and how much grit we have. We don't just ride leisurely for a jolly time. We train, practice, and compete to win. From 5:30 am workouts to team building.”