'A sense of family' - For equestrian's Elizabeth Benson, It Just Means More

'A sense of family' - For equestrian's Elizabeth Benson, It Just Means More'A sense of family' - For equestrian's Elizabeth Benson, It Just Means More

Sept. 27, 2016

By Jeff Shearer
AuburnTigers.com

AUBURN, Ala. - Elizabeth Benson believes in love at first sight. It's something she experienced in high school in New Jersey, when choosing a college.

"When I was scheduling my visits, I always had my sights here," Benson says. "I wound up seeing Auburn, and that was the only place I looked. I canceled the rest. It was my first one."

One of the most decorated riders in college equestrian history, Benson bookended her Auburn career with national championships, as a freshman in 2013, and a senior in 2016.

"It worked out really well last year," says Benson, a hunt seat rider who teamed with fellow senior Griffin Knight to provide leadership.

"We worked hard to blend the hunt seat and the western riding within the team," Benson says. "The two of us really tried to make it so that it was a good atmosphere. Something where the girls could all progress and win. It worked out well."

With a degree in international business, Benson could have begun her corporate career. Instead, she's back at the Horse Center as a graduate assistant.

"It's a hard thing to give up after four years of really being on something that means more than yourself," she says. "It's given me a bit of purpose and a sense of family."

Renowned for community service in addition to riding excellence, Auburn's equestrian program annually leads the Athletics Department in volunteer hours.

"As a team, we focus on being able to change those around us, and to make that positive impact," she says. "I've always sort of had that servant's heart."

Benson's favorite place to serve is Storybook Farm in Opelika, which allows children to ride for free.

"It's an unbelievable organization that works day to day to change the lives of those who are struggling with diverse situations," Benson says. "The girls really enjoy going out there as well because we get to interact with people and with horses."

Benson has been interacting with horses since she was 3. Her record at Auburn: 98-28-3, a winning percentage (76%) not even Coach Dye can match.

"My mom was an instructor growing up. My dad was the same. I've always sort of been in that role of instructing and teaching, and it works out well that the girls understand and they work hard, and they're all looking forward to training," she says. "They're great, and they make my job easy."

Benson made her coaching debut last week, when Auburn hosted Ole Miss for an exhibition. But before the new chapter officially begins Thursday at Tennessee-Martin, there was one final page for the 2016 team.

On the field before Auburn's football game against LSU, the team members received their SEC and national championship rings.

Since Benson is now part of the coaching staff, she got a sneak peek.

"They're really cool," she says.

Whether she's winning national titles or brightening the day of a hurting child, for Elizabeth Benson, It Just Means More."

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: Follow @jeff_shearer