Auburn Equestrian Thrives this Summer - AuburnTigers.com - Auburn University Official Athletic Site

Auburn Equestrian Thrives this Summer Two rising seniors and a rising junior have success in the arena.

Kylie Miller

Aug. 1, 2009

AUBURN - The Auburn equestrian season ended in April, but many of the student-athletes kept competing throughout the summer. Their hard work led to success in the arena.

Rising seniors Lyndsey Jordan and Kylie Miller along with rising junior Sarah Whitaker all competed in horse shows around the country this summer.

Jordan, a native of Georgetown, Ky., had a banner summer winning the Collegiate and USEF Youth 19-21 Reining Championships at the 2009 National Reining Horse Association Derby in Oklahoma City, Okla. She also helped lead USA Team North Central to a win at 2009 SmartPak FEI North American Young Rider Reining Championships in Lexington, Ky.

Miller, a native of Scottsdale, Ariz., took home top honor at the 2009 Appaloosa Nationals in Jackson, Miss. She finished her week as the All Around Non Pro after placing first in Western Horsemanship, first in Western Riding, second in Hunt Seat Equitation, third in Showmanship and fourth in Bareback Horsemanship. Finishing on top in Western Horsemanship gave Miller the momentum needed to be the High Point Equitation and Showmanship Exhibitor in addition to her All Around award.

Whitaker, a native of Pine Bluff, Ark., was the High Point Non-Pro for the 2009 Southern Regional Appaloosa Show in Memphis, Tenn. She also placed in the top 10 in several classes at the 2009 Appaloosa Nationals including: seventh in Bareback Horsemanship, seventh in Figure 8 Stakes, 10th in Nez Perce Stake Race (poles), fourth in Keyhole, eighth in Saddle Seat Equitation and eighth in Saddle Seat Pleasure.

"While many of our girls compete as individuals during the summer months, these are a few winning on the national and world level," said Auburn head coach Greg Williams. "This extra work and accomplishment makes not only us coaches proud, but all of the Auburn Family."

The Auburn equestrian team will return to action this fall.