Get To Know: Kailee Rife

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!

We’re ending the week with Kailee Rife!

Class: Freshman
Hometown: Raymond, Ohio
Discipline: Western
Prior to Auburn: AQHYA World Reserve Champion … Congress Champion … Two-time Congress Reserve Champion … AQHA National Points Champion … Three-time AQHA Level 1 East Champion.

Q: What made you want to go to Auburn?
A: “I have always loved the small-town vibes in Auburn. Auburn University’s equestrian team is superior. As well as the countless opportunities available in and out of the classroom. The Auburn Family is definitely a real thing.”

Q: How long have you been riding horses? What was the name of your first horse?
A: “My mom’s side of the family owns a farrier supply store, and we sell horseshoes. I’ve been around horses my whole life. I got my first horse when I was seven years old. His name is Bill.”

Q: What’s the biggest lesson horseback riding has taught you about yourself?
A: “The biggest lesson horseback riding has taught me is to remain calm, yet confident. Even when things aren’t going your way. In this sport, it’s not possible to control every little thing. Therefore, you have to remain calm and confident and continue to show the best of your ability.”

Q: What is the most challenging part about balancing academics and being a student-athlete?
A: “The most challenging part of balancing academics and being a student-athlete is time management. At first, your schedule is really hectic. As you get used to your weekly meetings and classes, it becomes less stressful.”

Q: What are some hobbies and activities you enjoy doing outside of riding?
A: “Some hobbies I enjoy outside of horses are being outside, shopping, and hanging out with my family and friends.”

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 to younger riders is to be coachable. If your goal is to ride in college, the preparation starts now. Make sure you’re being coachable and treating everything as a learning moment. Be a sponge and soak up all the information you can to make you a better rider.”

Q: Describe the Auburn equestrian team in one word.
A: “One word I would use to describe the Auburn equestrian team is: united. No matter the situation, this team remains together. It takes all of us. We compute this aspect in all of our goals, as well as the preparation for it.”

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 go trail-ride in Montana during the summer. Summertime in Montana has so many pretty views. It looks so peaceful, especially on a ranch.”

Q: Who or what inspires you most when you ride?
A: “The team really inspires me when I ride. Thinking about the team and what we’re able to accomplish really lights a spark. We just have to go into the arena and show what we’re capable of.”

Q: What’s one thing about Auburn equestrian that most people don’t know?
A: “One thing about Auburn equestrian that people might not know is how close we are. Outside of official team activities, we enjoy being together when we can. Whether that's getting dinner and a coffee or simply hanging out and studying for classes.”