It's been three years since Auburn's Equestrian team has hosted the Southern Equestrian Championships, but the eighth annual event will return to Auburn this Friday and Saturday. "Anytime these three teams compete, anybody is capable of winning," said head coach Greg Williams. "Right now it's been a battle between us and Georgia." Senior Lyndsey Jordan said she would like her team to win a championship before she graduates.
"All year our team has been so strong," Jordan said. "For the past few years we haven't done so well, but this year I really feel like we're going in loaded. I really feel like we're going to be able to pull out a win." Junior Ali Loprete said that if they win the team will be set up great for going to nationals. She said it will prove they are "the best team going in." Williams is also hopeful this year and said just like any other sport it helps to have a home- field advantage. "Hopefully we make that final round on Saturday to come out," Williams said. Auburn has split meets with South Carolina and Georgia this season.
Riding for the Tigers in Hunt Seat Equitation on the Flat are seniors Chelsea Anheuser and Katie Breedlove, sophomore Maggie McAlary, freshmen Anna Becker and Lindsay Portela and Loprete as alternate. Competing in Hunt Seat Equitation over Fences are seniors Anna Schierholz and Grace Socha, juniors Dottie Grubb and Loprete, McAlary and freshman Anna Becker as alternate. Seniors Jessica Jones and Kylie Miller, junior Bailey Dymond, sophomore Kristin Hansen, freshmen Indy Roper and Casey Fowler as alternate, will ride in Western Horsemanship. Competing in the Western Reining category are Jordan and senior Kim Pope, juniors Jillian Fuller and Paige Monfore, Roper and senior Jessica Jones as alternate. "This weekend I expect our team to work hard and come out with a well-deserved win," Loprete said. "I do believe we are the best team, and this is our chance to prove it."
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