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AU'S EQUESTRIAN TEAM WINS CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITION
AUBURN, Ala.--The Auburn University Equestrian Team has crossed a major
hurdle in their quest for a NCAA National Championship.
The team won the first Division I Varsity Championship title in Columbia,
S.C., on Dec. 1, beating 13 other regional teams including Georgia,
Clemson, Fresno State, Tennessee and University of Miami (Ohio).
Auburn beat second place Fresno State in the hunt-seat competition by
one point (17-16) and by 16 points in the western style competition.
Rider Crystal Pope also won the high-point rider award in the western
style riding competition.
"We are so excited to be the first Division I champs," said
Pope. "It's great to see hard work pay off."
The team of 28-30 riders prepare themselves with a rigorous training
schedule, working out in the morning twice a week and riding for two
hours four times a week. "It's a tremendous amount of work,"
said Coach Greg Williams. "They have to be in top physical form
to ride and handle all of the different horses."
At competition, riders are not allowed to bring personal horses or tack
equipment according to Intercollegiate Horse Show Association rules.
The host college furnishes all horses and equipment and no warm-up time
is allowed before the competition. "We have a chance to watch the
horses warm up," Pope said. "It's the only time you can check
for potential problems with the horses, so you have to come prepared."
"This is a precursor to nationals in the spring," said Williams.
"Nationals will be better since it will be the first varsity NCAA
championship in this sport."
Last year Auburn fell one-point short of a national title, but are setting
their sites on the NCAA title this spring. "The team feels really
good," Pope said. "After being runners up last year, we want
the title this year."
Auburn must clear several more competitions, including one at Auburn
on March 9-10, to win the NCAA title. "It will be a hunt-seat competition
only," Williams said. "Being at home definitely gives us the
advantage."
By:
Tiffany Trueblood
Contacts:
Greg Williams - 334-844-1570
Crystal Pope - 334-887-6395
Office of Communications, AU College of Agriculture - 334-844-5887
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