When it comes to the No. 1 Auburn equestrian team, there's no horsing around. The team will pack up and head north Nov. 5 in hopes of securing a fifth consecutive win for the season.
The team will face Delaware State and the host team, South Dakota State, in Brookings, S.D.
Fresh off a win over South Carolina, this will be the first time the team has traveled since its season-opener against the University of Tennessee at Martin. Both Delaware State and South Dakota State received votes from the coaches poll, but remain unranked.
The team that will compete is chosen on a weekly basis based on practice, previous events and grades. Twenty-four of the 40 athletes on the Auburn team will travel to Brookings.
This particular competition differs from most with the inclusion of a third school. This means the competitors must learn two patterns for each event and compete twice in the same day.
"This is the first event we have had this season where the girls will have to compete twice in one day," said assistant coach Lisa Helfer. "Our practices this week will make sure they know two patterns for each event and that they are able to compete all day long."
The team will concentrate on competitive practices in order to be ready to face both teams. Helfer said she believes travel won't be a problem for the girls.
"We are ready to hit the road," Helfer said. "It is good for us to travel and get a chance to ride different horses. It makes us stronger."
While the team has met many successes this season, assistant coach Jessica Braswell said the Tigers must stay focused on the spring and that being ranked the No. 1 team won't mean anything until April.
"Its important that the girls remember being No. 1 is great, but it also means you have a target on your back," Braswell said. "We have to stay focused during training and practice. With winning comes confidence, but they know we have a long way to go."
Braswell said she also believes the next two events in Brookings and Athens, Ga., will help the girls, especially the freshmen, become more comfortable riding different horses and help them learn to adapt quickly.
Western rider Danielle Long, undeclared freshman, said she believes the team is well-prepared and is excited for the upcoming competition.
"You have to remain confident," Long said. "I've been watching the older girls and whenever they compete, even if they mess up, they keep going and make you believe it was a perfect run."
California native and western rider Kristin Hansen, senior in psychology, said the cold weather of Brookings intimidates her, but she is still excited to compete away.
"I was injured last time we were on the road, and I think the only way to get good at competing away is to actually do it," Hansen said.
The team faces Georgia, currently ranked third, in Athens Nov. 11 before a three-month competition break.
"No matter what happens in Brookings, we go straight into intense training for Georgia," Helfer said. "They have never lost a match at home."
The Bulldogs will be the team's second SEC opponent this season.
The Tigers saddle up again months later Jan. 28 to face Oklahoma State at home.
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