01/03/2002

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."

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News from:

Office of Ag Communications & Marketing

Auburn University College of Agriculture
Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station
3 Comer Hall, Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849
334-844-4877 (PHONE) 334-844-5892 (FAX)

Contact Jamie Creamer, 334-844-2783 or jcreamer@auburn.edu
Contact Greg Williams, 334-844-1570
Contact Crystal Pope, 334-887-6395

By:
Tiffany Trueblood