February 01, 2008
The Texas A&M equestrian team will return from a near three-month layoff by taking on the Auburn Tigers in Alabama on Saturday at 1 p.m.
The Aggies (6-1) began the season with a flourish, winning each of their first six competitions. A&M?â„¢s only loss came on the road to undefeated rival Oklahoma State (6-0) on Nov. 10.
Auburn (5-1) has been equally as impressive as the Aggies the season. Their lone loss came on the road at perennial powerhouse Georgia. The Tigers have impressive wins to their credit this season over national champion South Carolina and Big 12 stalwart Kansas State. Auburn dropped Delaware State, 13-5, last Saturday in Alabama in their first competition since mid-November.
A&M?â„¢s strong start has not gone unnoticed by Auburn head coach Greg Williams, who coached the Tigers to the Varsity Equestrian National Championship title in 2006.
"Texas A&M is one of the premiere teams in the country," said Auburn head coach Greg Williams. "They are very balanced with their western team winning the national championship last year. Their hunt seat team is getting better which makes them a tough opponent."
While all four of A&M?â„¢s riding disciplines have been strong so far this year, the Aggie hunter seat flat riders have been carrying the mantle the highest to this point. The flat riders have put up a 6-1 record while five different riders have all earned at least four individual victories this season. The flatters complied a record of 26-14 in individual rides during the fall.
Individually, senior flat rider Lindsey Lawrence (College Station) is turning in the best year of her collegiate career having earned six individual wins, the most of any rider on the entire A&M team.
Co-captains Katie Henion (Austin) and Lindsay Smith (West Friendship, Md.) have led the way over fences as each have posted identical 5-2 records.
On the western side, A&M?â„¢s reiners have begun yet another solid year, having posted an individual record of 20-12-2 to this point. Junior Tonna Brooks (Newberg, Ore.) and sophomores Maggie Gratny (Leavenworth, Kan.) and Maddi Williams (Valley View) have each earned four victories to share the team lead in reining.
In horsemanship, junior co-captain Sibyl Parsons (Combine) and freshman standout Randi Standley (Madisonville) have been A&M?â„¢s most consistent performers to this point, compiling an 8-1-2 mark between the two of them.
Saturday?â„¢s show with Auburn will be held at the Auburn Equestrian Center. Admission is free of charge.