AUBURN, AL (EETV) – The first-ranked Auburn Equestrian squad went on the road to Bishop, Georgia on Friday to take on the sixth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs at the UGA Equestrian Complex.
To begin Friday’s matchup, Auburn’s western riders took to the arena for the Horsemanship event. The Tigers’ very own, Sydney Swallom (So.), scored Auburn’s only point out of five rides, scoring a 75.5 over Georgia’s Jordan Davis.
Ultimately, Georgia came out on top with a score of 4-1. The Bulldogs were ready to ride, as many of the Horsemanship rides featured close scores, as the Tigers looked to counter UGA heading into the Flat event.
Riding into the Flat event, Auburn’s jumping seat riders aimed to take home the Tigers’ first event win of the day. With outstanding rides from MG Segars (Sr.), Sophee Steckbeck (Sr.), and Ariana Marnell (Fr.), the Tigers earned three points which was enough for the Flat event win over the Bulldogs with a score of 3-2.
Working their way into the Reining event, western riders rode back into the arena hoping to power a comeback for Auburn to take the lead over Georgia.
Even with standout performances from Auburn’s Michelle Fumagalli (Fr.) and Alexia Tordoff (Jr.), who both earned wins in each of their respective rides, the Bulldogs once again were victorious thanks to a score of 3-2.
To close out Friday’s rides, jumping seat riders competed in the Fences event as Auburn looked to remain undefeated and prevent a Georgia win.
For the Tigers, Kate Hagerty (Fr.), Avery Glynn (So.), and Ellie Ferrigno (Gr.) all bolstered Auburn’s push for a win as they each took home a win in their respective rides. With three Tiger points, Auburn took home the Fences event win with a tight score of 3-2.
Although Auburn and Georgia each won two events, the Bulldogs ultimately scored more points in individual rides as they sealed the match win with a score of 11-9.
With Friday’s heartbreaking loss, the undefeated Tigers have lost their first match of the 2024-25 season, with Auburn’s record now standing at 6-1 as the fall season came to a close.
Auburn will host Minnesota Crookston on February 7th, as the Tigers head back into the Auburn Equestrian Center to kick-off the spring season.
