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 kicking off meet week with Sandy Smith!
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
Discipline: Jumping Seat
Prior to Auburn: WCHR 3'3" Junior Hunter Classic Winner … Large 16-17 3'3" Reserve Circuit Champion at WEF … Ninth Overall at Junior Hunter Finals in the Large 3'3" 16-17.
Q: What made you want to go to Auburn?
A: “The traditions and the football made me want to go to Auburn, as well as the family aspect of the whole town. Tiger walk, Toomer’s Corner, and the eagle flight around really gave me my final answer on whether or not I wanted to come. I love how everyone is so lovely and welcoming wherever you go.
Q: How long have you been riding horses? What was the name of your first horse?
A: “I have been riding horses for about nine years and the name of my first horse was Chocolate Sunday!”
Q: What’s the biggest lesson horseback riding has taught you about yourself?
A: “The biggest lesson horseback riding has taught me is how to be independent and to think of the people around you. Even though this sport involves just the animal and you, it requires many people to participate in it.”
Q: What is the most challenging part about balancing academics and being a student-athlete?
A: “The most challenging part of balancing academics and athletics is making sure not to wait until the last second to get my work done. I tend to scroll TikTok and Instagram instead of opening my computer and doing work!”
Q: What are some hobbies and activities you enjoy doing outside of riding?
A: “Some activities and hobbies I like to do outside of riding are baking, playing with my dogs, and shopping!”
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 who want to compete in college is to stay focused now and to keep working hard. Hard work will always give you success in the future, no matter what. So definitely work hard!”
Q: Describe the Auburn equestrian team in one word.
A: “Successful.”
Q: If you could ride anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
A: “If I could ride anywhere in the world, it would be LGCT Paris!”
Q: Who or what inspires you most when you ride?
A: “What inspires me the most when I ride is all of my fellow teammates, my coaches, and my mom. I want to make sure I am riding well for them and making them proud.”
Q: What’s one thing about Auburn equestrian that most people don’t know?
A: “One thing about Auburn equestrian most people do not know is how well they care for the horses. All of the horses genuinely love their life. They are in massive paddocks and are treated with perfection by the barn manager, Katie Renfroe. I could not imagine any of the horses in a better home.”