Georgia Equestrian begins its pursuit of its fourth SEC Championship today! The second-seeded Bulldogs will face No. 3-seeded Texas A&M at 10am in Mill Spring, N.C.

Georgia Equestrian Pursues Fourth SEC Championship

Today, the University of Georgia’s equestrian team embarks on its quest for a fourth Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championship. The second-seeded Bulldogs are set to face the third-seeded Texas A&M Aggies at 10 a.m. at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina.

Season Overview

The Bulldogs concluded the regular season with a 6-5 overall record and a 4-2 mark in SEC competition. Their most recent meet resulted in an 11-8 loss to the Auburn Tigers on March 1. Despite this setback, graduate rider Sophia Pilla earned her 11th Most Outstanding Performer (MOP) honor during that meet, highlighting her consistent excellence throughout the season.

Historical Context

Georgia’s equestrian program has a storied history, having secured SEC championships in 2015, 2017, and 2018 under the guidance of head coach Meghan Boenig. The Bulldogs are determined to reclaim their championship status this season, especially considering the dominance of the Auburn Tigers, who have clinched the title for the past six consecutive years.

Championship Format

The SEC Equestrian Championship features head-to-head competitions across four events:

• Equitation on the Flat: Riders demonstrate their horses’ flatwork skills, emphasizing posture and control.
• Equitation Over Fences: Combines flatwork with jumping, showcasing the rider’s ability to navigate courses.
• Horsemanship: Riders perform patterns to highlight their horses’ movements and responsiveness.
• Reining: A western riding event where riders guide their horses through precise patterns, emphasizing speed and control.

Each event contributes to the overall team score, with the aggregate determining the champion.

Key Riders to Watch

• Sophia Pilla: With an 8-3 record this season, Pilla’s consistent performance positions her as a pivotal asset for the Bulldogs. Her recent recognition as the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) Flat Rider of the Month underscores her impact.
• Leah Anderson: A junior known for her precision in Horsemanship, Anderson’s contributions will be vital in securing points for Georgia.
• Maggie Nealon: As a senior, Nealon’s leadership and experience in Equitation on the Flat provide a steadying influence for the team.

Texas A&M Aggies: A Formidable Opponent

The Aggies enter the championship with a 5-4 overall record and a 1-3 SEC standing. In their most recent matchup on February 14, 2025, Texas A&M secured a decisive 12-4 victory over Georgia. Key performances included:

• Fences: Brooke Brombach and Devon Thomas each earned points for the Aggies.
• Horsemanship: Kaitlyn Bloom and Ellie Gerbrandt contributed to Texas A&M’s lead.
• Fences (Post-break): Alexa Leong, Devon Thomas, and Alida Treuting extended the Aggies’ advantage.
• Reining: Texas A&M swept all five points, with Lauren Hanson earning the MOP honor.

Despite this earlier defeat, the Bulldogs are poised for redemption, drawing on their historical strengths and the competitive spirit that defines SEC equestrian events.

Looking Ahead

A victory today would not only secure Georgia’s fourth SEC Championship but also serve as a statement of resilience and determination. The Bulldogs’ blend of seasoned leadership and emerging talent positions them well for success in this high-stakes competition.

As the championship unfolds, fans and alumni alike will be watching with anticipation, rooting for the Bulldogs to overcome past challenges and emerge victorious. The Tryon International Equestrian Center is set to witness a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship as Georgia and Texas A&M vie for the coveted SEC title.

Go Bulldogs!