No. 1 Equestrian set to host No. 4 Oklahoma State - AuburnTigers.com

No. 1 Equestrian set to host No. 4 Oklahoma State Tigers open spring season

Maggie McAlary

Jan. 26, 2012

Auburn, Ala. -

The No. 1 Auburn equestrian team (6-1) is set to host No. 4 Oklahoma State (2-3) in its first meet of the spring portion of the season at the Auburn University Horse Center on Saturday, January 28.

In the Tigers' last meet of the fall, they fell on the road at Georgia, picking up their only loss of the season. Auburn head coach Greg Williams expects his team to start off strong this spring as it looks toward postseason competition.

"Oklahoma State is always tough competition, particularly in western," Williams said. "This is our first meet after the break and will determine how fast we have to increase the intensity of workouts and practices to finish the season into Nationals."

The Cowgirls are coming off three-straight losses in the fall, most recently at home to Kansas State. Auburn has won the previous two meets against Oklahoma State, not having lost since a visit to Stillwater during the 2008-09 season.

Competing for Auburn in Equitation over Fences will be Quincy Hayes, Christina Lin, Maggie McAlary, Melena Smith and Jennifer Waxman. Lindsay Portela will serve as the alternate.

Equitation on the Flat will feature Anna Becker, Jennifer Delman, Christina Lin, Maggie McAlary and Lindsay Portela, with Quincy Hayes as the alternate.

Competing in Western Horsemanship will be Kristin Hansen, Katsy Leeman, Danielle Long, Indy Roper and Stephanie Rucci. Katie Buff is the alternate.

In Reining, Auburn will ride Cheyenne Cracraft, Jillian Fuller, Kristin Hansen, Indy Roper and Stephanie Rucci. Morgan Burns will serve as the alternate.

Pony Rides, Paint a Pony (weather permitting), build a horse and painted horseshoes will be available for kids throughout the meet. Horse hopper races and sack races will take place during intermission.

The meet is set to begin at 1 p.m. CT, and admission is free.