On The Plains: Lauren Hall

Senior Lauren Hall has made the most of every opportunity to grow as a student-athlete and pour into her teammates during her time on the Auburn equestrian team.

Hall’s journey began at a young age. She first began taking lessons when she was seven and started competing at nine. The Sammamish, Washington native first became interested in horseback riding after learning her mom had participated in it when she was younger.

Equestrian was not the only sport Hall was involved in growing up. She also played soccer and practiced gymnastics and dance until her mom encouraged her to focus her time on one sport. She wisely chose equestrian, a decision she has loved ever since.

“I had to decide between the other sports as my mom wanted me to pick one, so I really got into it after that,” Hall said.

Over the course of her life and time competing in equestrian, Hall’s number one supporter has always been her mom.

“She's always believed in me,” Hall said. “I’ve always wanted to make her proud, so I’d say that’s a big motivating factor.”

Before Auburn, Hall filled her trophy case while winning five APHA national championships and four APHA world championships.

Hall’s move to the Plains came with a lot of change and adjustments, but the decision was easy after her first visit to campus.

“I chose Auburn after I came to camps here when I was just starting high school, and I fell in love,” recalled Hall, a marketing major. “I went to a couple of other camps at other schools, and I thought the community here was just unbeatable. The college town aspect was great.”

During her time at Auburn, Hall has provided depth in Horsemanship for the Tigers and has continued to grow and adapt to the team-centered nature of collegiate equestrian.

“Auburn has really taught me to work hard and to work well with others in a team aspect, because this sport is very individualized before you come to college,” Hall said. “You’re not just riding for yourself anymore. You’re riding for your whole team. I think that and the long days, long weeks. Just working hard for your teammates and not just yourself.”

Hall is grateful for the guidance she has received from the coaching staff and how the team’s encouragement has helped shape her as both an athlete and a person.

“They’re really good at teaching you to push yourself past what you thought you were capable of,” she said. “They are very encouraging and are always there. If you ever go to them for help or support, they are always going to be there for you.”

Hall’s development has also been influenced by her longtime mentor, Kip Larson, who has helped her strive to improve each day.

“I’ve worked with him all throughout high school,” Hall stated. “He’s actually close friends with assistant coach Mary Meneely here. That’s been great to have them have a relationship together. He’s been super helpful, and I’ll come home and tell him this is what coach wants me to work on, and he’s very receptive to that.”

When reflecting on her time at Auburn, Hall has made countless memories with her teammates. Her favorite memories include winning the SEC Championship during each of her first two seasons.

“It was really special my first year when we won the SEC Championship,” Hall said. “It was a surreal feeling. Then coming back the next year and winning it again was awesome.”

When Hall is not at the equestrian complex or in the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her teammates and building on the friendships she has developed while on the team.

“We always do weekly dinners and get sushi in the village dining hall every Monday just to hang out and have something that’s not team related,” Hall said. “We always have a couple of days off for spring break and go down to Florida together. That’s always a blast.”

For Hall, unity and working together have been crucial factors in the team’s success over this season and will be instrumental for the Tigers’ as they head to nationals next week.

“This group, out of all four years I have been here, is the most connected and close-knit out of all of them,” Hall stated. “Both the Jumping Seat and the Western sides are really close. Everybody is friends with everybody, and I think that’s going to pay off when we really need it.”

When Hall was asked how she would describe Auburn in one word, her answer was never in doubt.

“Tradition,” Hall said “Every year, we take a Auburn Creed test, and everybody has to learn the Auburn Creed, and I think that it’s awesome. It’s really important to have so many deeply rooted traditions.”

Hall and her teammates have embraced the love and support from the fans at home meets and have been able to feed off the energy and momentum the fans bring each meet.

“I truly believe we have the best fans in all of equestrian,” Hall said. “We have the best turnout. They’re awesome, and they really make a difference. It gets really loud and the energy is unmatched.”

Hall’s love for Auburn and the opportunities she has had on the team are something she will never forget and will always hold a special place in her heart for the Loveliest Village on the Plains.

“I think Auburn’s the best. Looking back, I don’t think I would be happier anywhere else. This is the best school ever,” said Hall.