Senior Mary-Grace Segars and junior Caroline Fredenburg of the No. 1 Auburn equestrian team were named SEC Riders of the Month for February

Senior Mary-Grace Segars and Junior Caroline Fredenburg of Auburn Named SEC Riders of the Month for February

Auburn University’s equestrian team has long been recognized as one of the premier programs in collegiate equestrian sports. The Tigers, renowned for their dominance in the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA), continued their legacy of excellence with the recent recognition of two standout athletes—senior Mary-Grace Segars and junior Caroline Fredenburg. Both riders were named Southeastern Conference (SEC) Riders of the Month for February 2025, a testament to their skill, hard work, and consistent performances in the competition ring.

This achievement not only highlights their individual accomplishments but also reflects the strength and depth of Auburn’s equestrian program as a whole. With both riders playing pivotal roles in the team’s success, their recognition serves as a benchmark of the program’s commitment to excellence. Let’s take a closer look at how Segars and Fredenburg earned this prestigious honor and what it means for their futures, as well as for the Auburn equestrian program.

The Auburn Equestrian Program: A Legacy of Excellence

Before diving into the accomplishments of Segars and Fredenburg, it’s essential to understand the foundation of Auburn’s equestrian program. The Auburn Tigers are consistently ranked among the top teams in collegiate equestrian, competing in the NCEA’s Varsity Equestrian format, which includes both Hunter Seat and Western disciplines. Over the years, the program has produced numerous individual champions, SEC titles, and national championships.

The Tigers’ success is built upon a culture of discipline, teamwork, and elite coaching. Auburn’s coaching staff includes some of the best in the field, known for their ability to recruit top talent, develop riders, and prepare them for the highest levels of competition. The equestrian team’s track record of success is not simply about individual achievements but also about the program’s collective spirit and the development of student-athletes who can balance academic demands with the intense training and competition schedules.

In such a competitive environment, the SEC Riders of the Month award is a significant recognition, reserved for those who perform at an exceptional level during the given month. For both Mary-Grace Segars and Caroline Fredenburg to be named the SEC Riders of the Month speaks volumes about their skill, consistency, and ability to shine under pressure.

Mary-Grace Segars: A Senior Leader with Unmatched Talent

Mary-Grace Segars, a senior from Auburn, Alabama, has been a cornerstone of the Auburn equestrian team for the past four years. A skilled and versatile rider, Segars has earned recognition for her performance in both Hunter Seat and Western competitions, showcasing her versatility and breadth of talent. Her February 2025 performance was no exception, and her leadership both in and out of the ring was pivotal to Auburn’s continued dominance in the SEC.

Segars’ ride in February earned her the SEC Rider of the Month title in Hunter Seat. Known for her poise and precision, Segars has consistently been a top scorer in Hunter Seat events, which focus on the rider’s ability to guide their horse over a series of fences. Her fluid riding style, combined with her deep connection with her mount, allows her to execute technical maneuvers with grace and accuracy.

One of the most memorable moments of Segars’ February performances came in Auburn’s meet against Georgia, where she delivered a flawless round in the flat event. Her control over her horse was impeccable, and her ability to maintain perfect rhythm throughout the course showcased the hours of training and preparation she has put in over her career. This ride, in particular, stood out to her coaches and teammates as an embodiment of what it means to be a leader on the team.

Throughout the month, Segars posted impressive scores across multiple competitions, including key victories in both the flat and over fences categories. These wins were critical to Auburn’s continued success in the SEC, propelling them toward another dominant season. Her ability to perform under pressure has made her one of the most reliable riders on the team, and her leadership is felt by the younger members of the squad who look up to her as a mentor and role model.

Off the horse, Segars has also demonstrated strong leadership qualities. As a senior, she is deeply involved in mentoring the younger riders, offering advice on everything from technical aspects of riding to handling the academic pressures that come with being a student-athlete. Her work ethic, both on the field and in the classroom, has set a standard for the rest of the team. In her final season with Auburn, Segars has continued to exemplify what it means to be a student-athlete, balancing her rigorous training schedule with her academic responsibilities.

Caroline Fredenburg: A Junior Star Shaping Her Legacy

While Segars may be the senior leader, junior Caroline Fredenburg has also made a significant impact on the Auburn equestrian team this season. Hailing from Conyers, Georgia, Fredenburg has quickly emerged as one of the most promising young riders in the SEC, earning the February 2025 SEC Rider of the Month award for her performances in the Western discipline.

Fredenburg’s rise to prominence on the Auburn equestrian team can be attributed to her consistent performances and innate ability to connect with her horse. As a Western rider, she competes in disciplines such as Reining, Horsemanship, and Cutting, all of which require a high level of skill and precision. Her ability to read the horse, anticipate its movements, and maintain control throughout each maneuver has made her a standout in these events.

In February, Fredenburg’s performance was marked by her dominance in the Reining competition. She posted top scores in multiple meets, showcasing her technical expertise and control during high-stakes rides. One of the highlights of her month came during Auburn’s meet against Mississippi State, where Fredenburg executed an almost flawless ride in Reining, earning a perfect score from the judges. Her precise and controlled movements, combined with her calm demeanor, impressed both her coaches and teammates.

Fredenburg’s growth as a rider has been remarkable, and her performances in February reflected her hard work and commitment to improving. She is known for her ability to handle pressure, delivering strong performances in tight competitions. As a junior, Fredenburg has developed into one of the most reliable riders on the Auburn team, and her growth as a leader is becoming evident. Her ability to bring out the best in her horse and consistently perform under pressure is a testament to her mental toughness and skill as a rider.

In addition to her accomplishments in the competition ring, Fredenburg is known for her humility and sportsmanship. She is a well-respected member of the Auburn equestrian team, always willing to offer support and encouragement to her teammates. Her work ethic and leadership qualities have made her a key figure on the team, and her future in the sport looks incredibly bright.

The Significance of the SEC Rider of the Month Award

Being named SEC Rider of the Month is no small achievement. The Southeastern Conference is home to some of the best collegiate equestrian teams in the country, and the competition for such an honor is fierce. Each month, the award is given to the rider who has demonstrated the highest level of performance, consistency, and leadership within their respective discipline. For both Segars and Fredenburg to earn this recognition speaks volumes about their dedication to their craft and their ability to perform at the highest levels of collegiate equestrian competition.

The award also highlights the strength of Auburn’s equestrian program, which continues to produce top-tier athletes year after year. Auburn’s ability to develop riders who can excel in both Hunter Seat and Western disciplines is a key factor in the team’s overall success. Segars and Fredenburg’s recognition further underscores the depth of talent within the program and the caliber of coaching that has propelled Auburn to the top of collegiate equestrian sports.

Looking Toward the Future

With Segars’ final season nearing its end and Fredenburg continuing to evolve as a junior, the future of Auburn equestrian looks promising. The Tigers are poised to continue their dominance in the SEC and at the national level, with both Segars and Fredenburg playing pivotal roles in that success. For Segars, her senior season has been a culmination of years of hard work, and her leadership will continue to inspire the team for the remainder of the season. For Fredenburg, the sky is the limit, and her continued growth will be key to Auburn’s future success.

In the coming years, the Auburn equestrian team will undoubtedly build upon the foundation laid by Segars, Fredenburg, and others who have come before them. With talented riders, world-class coaching, and a supportive program, Auburn will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in collegiate equestrian sports.