Oct. 3, 2017
As part of one of Auburn equestrian's most talented recruiting classes, freshman Nicole Ellis joined the team with numerous accomplishments to her name. Hailing from Winston Salem, N.C., the Reiner has had multiple top 10 finishes at the All American Quarter Horse Congress, was the 2016 American Quarter Horse Association Level 1 Rookie, and placed in the top three at the National Reining Horse Association Derby, among many other achievements. A talented rider, hard worker and team player, Ellis embodies the team slogan, 'work-hard-work.'
Q: How did you get started with riding?
A: My mom rode horses for 40 years and I grew up around them. I got my first pony when I turned eight and never turned back!
Q: What made you want to come to Auburn?
A: I love the atmosphere of the campus and the equestrian team here. Everyone is so friendly and caring.
Q: What do you think growing up riding taught you most?
A: Growing up riding helped me develop a work ethic. I love to work on anything involving horses and will work nonstop to accomplish something. Riding horses and always having jobs to do at the barn always made me love to work.
Q: What's your favorite moment from competition before you came to Auburn?
A: I actually have two favorite moments. The first was when I won the IEA national championship in Varsity Intermediate Reining with the highest reining score of the show. The second was when I won my first derby with my mare Static Electricity.
Q: What are you most looking forward to in your first year here?
A: Having a new place to further my education.
Q: What are you planning on majoring in? Why?
A: Civil Engineering: I knew I wanted to go into some sort of math or science degree and after talking to a civil engineer and researching more on the subject, I decided that was what I wanted to do.
Q: So far, what do you like most about being part of the team?
H: I enjoy having a family to back me up at all times.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your respective discipline?
A: Reining is all about being as subtle with your own movements to make it look as if the horse is making all the correct decisions on his own. I enjoy that reining horses are so well trained that can respond to microscopic cues, the process between horse and rider that allows the horse to understand the cues, and riders are trained to do those microscopic cues.
Q: What's an interesting fact about you that most people don't know?
A: I'm scared of chickens.
Q: Do you have any hidden talents?
A: I can bend my thumb all the way backwards
Q: What is your favorite Auburn tradition? Why?
A: I love the rolling of the Oaks. I love that such a large community can come together and celebrate as a family.
Q: Have you felt like a part of the Auburn Family since coming here?
A: Yes! Everyone is so welcoming and wants to include everyone else.
Q: Did you play any different sports in high school?
A: I played basketball and softball.