The sounds of galloping hooves, cheering fans and "Bodda Getta" after a win have become custom for the No. 2 Auburn Equestrian team.
Coming off of a win against South Carolina, Auburn will face No. 10 New Mexico State Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Auburn Horse Unit.
"If we ride like we have been riding, we will be in good shape," said head coach Greg Williams. "We had practice today and it felt lackluster, but after two days off from the snow, that is to be expected."
Even with Auburn's 7-2 record, riding against New Mexico State will have its share of challenges.
"I think we are coming off a big weekend," said freshman western rider Mallory Campbell. "We are ready to go, but now we have to work hard. It is unnerving knowing we haven't had as many practices as we wanted, but we have stepped it up."
Auburn will face tough competitors Saturday as well as tough climate conditions.
"The cold weather messes with the horses," said freshman hunt seat Lindsay Portela. "They are fresh and excited. They are difficult when they are fresh. Also, fans don't like to come out when it is cold. They don't like to sit in the cold."
Williams said the women are accustomed to practicing in the rain and cold. It gives the women an advantage over other teams.
"If we got to compete when it's dry, that would be unheard of," Williams said. "Our girls usually suck it up and don't complain. They just go out there and ride."
After losing to South Carolina, the team immediately started preparing for the next meet. For the meet against New Mexico
State, Auburn will prepare differently than in past weeks.
They are not only riding Saturday against New Mexico State, but must keep in mind their make-up meet Sunday against Oklahoma State.
"Preparing for the next meet depends on where we are going," Williams said. "The riders this weekend are very different. We have a lot of riders for both days. They are going to have to pull all their forces on Saturday and the highest concentration on Sunday."
With Auburn at No. 2, the women are not letting it get to their heads.
"It is a great honor to be No. 2, but one thing our coach says is even if we are first, we are going to be chasing," Portela said. "We are still going to act like we are coming from behind."
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