Back in the Win Column: Auburn Equestrian Rides to 14-6 Victory Over UT Martin

The Auburn Tigers’ Return to the Plains Delivered Strong Performances in All Four Events

With their brutal road schedule behind them, The fifth-ranked Tigers were eyeing a return to form while hosting #9 UT Martin on Saturday. And as the day ended, nothing but smiles shone on the faces of Auburn’s riders.

College Equestrian 101

I’ve added a short section to help new readers understand some of the details of the sport. This week we’ll quickly cover the Jumping Seat events.

Varsity college equestrian has four events: two in the Western discipline, and two in what’s known as the Jumping Seat discipline. Jumping Seat takes its name from the type of saddle that sits the rider in a more forward position that keeps them from pulling on the reins too much during a jump.

The two Jumpings seat events are Equitation On the Flat and Equitation Over Fences. The Flat event consists of nine movements judged on accuracy, smoothness, and the rider’s position. Fences require the clearing of a series of 3-foot-high fences while being judged on position, consistency, smoothness, flow through the course and the horse’s strides.

Riders in both events start out with 100 points, from which a judge deducts points based on the riders’ performance.

How the Meet Went

The cold, windy day began with Equitation on the Flat. In their fall visit to Martin, TN, the Tigers came up short on the majority of their matchups in this event, so it was an open question as to which team would take control early.

Freshman Avery Glynn, sophomore Anne Douglas Hamiter, and senior Ellie Ferrigno took their points, giving the Tigers a 3-2 event win.

Over in the Western ring, things were looking even better for the home team.

Reining saw Auburn sophomore Alexia Tordoff and seniors Kate Buchanan, Olivia Marino, and Isabella Tesmer outride their opponents for a 4-1 advantage in the event.

Auburn’s fast start had the Tigers out to a 7-3 halftime lead, and in position to effectively end the meet in the next event.

The Tigers had dominated the Skyhawks 4-1 in Fences during their previous meeting, so Auburn knew a similar performance would likely guarantee Saturday’s victory.

The Auburn quartet of Glynn, Ferrigno, junior Mary-Grace Segars, and senior Sophee Steckbeck made sure history repeated itself. Their 4-1 win in the event had clinched the meet before points in the final event could be posted.

But Auburn’s Horsemanship riders would also have their turn in the spotlight. Freshman Alexis Potts, sophomore Caroline Fredenburg, along with Tordoff gave Auburn the 3-2 event win, and put the exclamation point on the 14-6 victory..

One Streak Ends While Another Continues

The Tigers have taken their lumps on the road this season, surrendering an uncharacteristic four-straight meets to their opponents. Saturday’s home meet allowed Auburn to put their road woes behind them. The victory also extended Auburn Equestrian’s home winning streak to 35 - the longest in the history of the sport.

Up Next for Auburn

The Tigers will take a week off and prepare to host #3 SMU. The defending national champion Mustangs defeated Auburn 8-12 in Dallas last November, so the Tigers will be looking for revenge. That meet is scheduled for Saturday, March 2, at 11 AM.

The Scoresheet

UT Martin 6 - Auburn 14

FENCES:
Avery Glynn (AU) def Sydney Hott (UTM): 88-80
Kate Mills (UTM) def Grace Pearson (AU): 83-81
Mary-Grace Segars (AU) def Gabby Adams (UTM): 84-78
Sophee Steckbeck (AU) def Haley Kane (UTM): 85-82
Ellie Ferrigno (AU) def Elizabeth Becker (UTM): 85-79

FLAT:
Avery Glynn (AU) def Haley Kane (UTM): 86-81
Sophia Sundem (UTM) def Charlotte McLaughlin (AU): 80-76
Bridget Vieau (UTM) def Mary-Grace Segars (AU): 79-77
Ellie Ferrigno (AU) def Elizabeth Becker (UTM): 85-74
Anne Douglas Hamiter (AU) def Sydney Hott (UTM): 80-78

HORSEMANSHIP:
Alexis Potts (AU) def Mia McAfoos (UTM): 75-73
Lexi Bailey (UTM) def Sydney Swallom (AU): 75.5-69.5
Emma Schaefer (UTM) def Brooke Jolstad (AU): 75.5-75
Caroline Fredenburg (AU) def Kate Davis (UTM): 76.5-73.5
Alexia Tordoff (AU) def Ava Newsom (UTM): 76.5-75

REINING:
Lexi Bailey (UTM) def Caroline Buchanan (AU): 72-71.5
Kate Buchanan (AU) def Emma Schaefer (UTM): 74-71
Alexia Tordoff (AU) def Logan Putvinski (UTM): 70-66
Olivia Marino (AU) def Kate Davis (UTM): 66.5-65.5
Isabella Tesmer (AU) def Aubrey Malone (UTM): 73.5-70