Auburn with 10 NCEA Ariat All-America recognitions

Auburn’s Equestrian Team Receives 10 NCEA Ariat All-America Recognitions: A Historic Achievement for Auburn’s Riding Program

In a landmark moment for Auburn University’s equestrian program, the Auburn Tigers have once again proven their dominance in collegiate equestrian sports. A total of 10 athletes from the Auburn equestrian team have earned NCEA (National Collegiate Equestrian Association) Ariat All-America honors for the 2025 season. This achievement highlights the strength of Auburn’s equestrian program and the high level of talent and dedication within the team. These recognitions serve as a testament to the hard work, perseverance, and excellence exhibited by both the athletes and coaching staff, establishing Auburn as a powerhouse in the sport of collegiate equestrian riding.

This achievement is a remarkable one for Auburn, a program with a long history of success in equestrian sports. The NCEA Ariat All-America honors are among the highest awards a collegiate equestrian athlete can receive, recognizing the top athletes across the nation in both Hunt Seat and Western riding disciplines. The fact that 10 Auburn riders earned these prestigious honors in a single season speaks volumes about the depth of talent within the program, as well as the strong culture of excellence fostered by the coaching staff, led by head coach Greg Williams.

As Auburn’s equestrian team prepares for another exciting season, this significant accomplishment only reinforces the program’s national reputation and its continued commitment to developing elite athletes. The 10 Ariat All-America selections serve as a testament to the hard work and dedication of the student-athletes, and the pride of Auburn University in fostering such an accomplished team.

The NCEA Ariat All-America Recognition: An Overview

The NCEA Ariat All-America honors are awarded to the top riders in the nation in both the Hunt Seat and Western riding disciplines. These honors are determined based on a rider’s performance throughout the season, including individual victories, team contributions, and overall consistency in competition. To be named an Ariat All-American is a prestigious honor, with only the best and most consistent riders earning this recognition.

The NCEA evaluates riders in several categories, including:

• Head-to-head performance against top competition
• Overall contributions to team victories and performances
• Consistency and excellence in both home and away events
• Leadership and sportsmanship both on and off the horse

For Auburn, receiving 10 All-America honors is a clear indication of the program’s talent, depth, and leadership. It underscores Auburn’s place among the elite programs in the country and highlights the high caliber of riders the team attracts.

Auburn’s Outstanding Equestrian Athletes: The 10 All-Americans

The Auburn Tigers’ success in earning 10 NCEA Ariat All-America honors comes as no surprise, as the team consistently ranks among the top in the nation. The riders selected for these prestigious honors have each demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership in their respective disciplines. Below, we break down the achievements of each of Auburn’s 10 All-Americans for the 2025 season:

1. Avery Byrd (Hunt Seat)

A senior rider from Auburn, Alabama, Avery Byrd has been a standout member of the Auburn equestrian team throughout her career. Known for her grace and technical precision in Hunt Seat events, Byrd has earned numerous individual accolades and has been a key contributor to the team’s success in both regular-season competitions and championship events. Byrd’s consistent top performances, including several individual wins during major competitions, earned her a spot on the All-America list.

2. Katelyn Steed (Western)

Katelyn Steed, a senior from Hickory Creek, Texas, has been a dominant force in the Western riding discipline. With an impeccable ability to perform under pressure, Steed earned All-America honors with a series of impressive rides throughout the season. Her ability to command the arena with both confidence and skill, combined with a deep understanding of the Western discipline, has made her one of the top riders in the country.

3. Natalie Brown (Hunt Seat)

As a sophomore from Lexington, Kentucky, Natalie Brown has quickly established herself as one of the top riders in the Hunt Seat discipline. Her technical expertise and leadership abilities have earned her recognition in this highly competitive field. With several standout performances, Brown’s ability to connect with her horse and execute precise, fluid movements has earned her a spot on the prestigious All-America list.

4. Grace Johnson (Western)

Grace Johnson, a junior from Ogden, Utah, is known for her calm, collected demeanor and ability to execute flawless routines in Western riding. Her consistent performances throughout the season helped her earn a spot on the Ariat All-America list. Johnson’s leadership and sportsmanship, both on and off the horse, have made her a standout on the team and a respected figure in collegiate equestrian circles.

5. Sarah Williams (Hunt Seat)

A junior from Columbus, Georgia, Sarah Williams is a rising star in the Hunt Seat discipline. Williams’s natural athleticism and commitment to improving her riding techniques have made her one of the best in her field. Her ability to maintain composure during high-pressure events and consistently perform at a high level has earned her recognition as one of the nation’s top equestrian athletes.

6. Emily Thompson (Western)

From Franklin, Tennessee, Emily Thompson has been a key player in Auburn’s Western riding program. Thompson’s balance of finesse and strength in her riding style has garnered attention throughout the season. Her ability to ride with precision and deliver consistent performances has made her a standout among Western riders and earned her a spot on the All-America list.

7. Ellie Green (Hunt Seat)

A freshman from Charlotte, North Carolina, Ellie Green has quickly made her mark in the Hunt Seat discipline. With exceptional promise and natural talent, Green has impressed in her rookie season with several key wins in major competitions. Her seamless riding technique and ability to connect with her horse have established her as a rider to watch for years to come.

8. Taylor Matthews (Western)

Taylor Matthews, a senior from Dallas, Texas, is widely recognized for her strategic approach to Western riding. Known for her meticulous preparation and outstanding competition mindset, Matthews has consistently delivered top-tier performances throughout her career. Her reliability and competitive edge earned her All-America honors, solidifying her legacy as one of Auburn’s top equestrian athletes.

9. Lily Sanders (Hunt Seat)

As a sophomore from San Diego, California, Lily Sanders has excelled in the Hunt Seat discipline with a remarkable combination of speed and control. Her technical expertise in managing complex courses and consistently performing well in competitive settings earned her a spot on the All-America list. Sanders is known for her ability to stay focused under pressure, making her one of Auburn’s most promising riders.

10. Mia Parker (Western)

Mia Parker, a sophomore from Saddle Brook, New Jersey, is a versatile rider in the Western discipline who earned her All-America honors this year. Known for her ability to quickly adapt to various riding conditions, Parker has shown an innate ability to handle different types of horses and competition setups. Her flexibility and competitive spirit have been key to her success and her recognition as one of the nation’s top Western riders.

Auburn’s Equestrian Program: A Tradition of Excellence

The 10 NCEA Ariat All-America honors represent a continuation of Auburn University’s longstanding tradition of excellence in equestrian sports. Auburn has consistently ranked among the top teams in the country, thanks to a combination of outstanding athletes, a strong coaching staff, and a culture of success.

Under the leadership of head coach Greg Williams, Auburn’s equestrian team has thrived. Coach Williams has played an instrumental role in recruiting top talent, building a strong team culture, and developing riders who excel both on the horse and in the classroom. His leadership has fostered an environment where athletes are encouraged to push themselves to new heights while also remaining grounded in their academic and personal lives.

Beyond the accolades and championships, Auburn’s equestrian team is also known for its close-knit community, where athletes support one another and work together toward common goals. This camaraderie is one of the key reasons the Tigers have been able to achieve sustained success over the years.

The Future of Auburn Equestrian: Continuing the Legacy

With 10 NCEA Ariat All-America recognitions and a strong group of riders returning for the upcoming season, the future of Auburn equestrian looks incredibly bright. The team has shown that they are ready to compete at the highest level, with a core of talented athletes who are poised to continue Auburn’s dominance in collegiate equestrian sports.

As the Tigers look ahead to the next season, they will continue to build on their legacy of excellence. The future of the program remains in good hands, with a combination of veteran leadership and fresh talent ensuring that Auburn’s equestrian program will remain at the forefront of collegiate sports for years to come.

The 10 NCEA Ariat All-America recognitions for the 2025 season are just the beginning for this incredibly talented and motivated team. As Auburn continues to produce top-tier equestrian athletes, the Tigers are sure to remain a dominant force in the sport, setting the stage for even more success and recognition in the years to come.