Dec. 8, 2017
AUBURN, Ala. -- A trio of freshmen on the No. 5 Auburn equestrian team as well as a 2018 signee has enjoyed individual success on the AQHA and NRHA circuits.
"Success in the industry competitions is great for our program," head coach Greg Williams said. "Not only does it keep the riders heavily tested by making them stronger college competitors, but it also provides opportunities to be great advocates for NCAA Equestrian in the public arena."
Terri-June Granger, Auburn's reining freshman phenom, put together a championship performance at the 2017 All American Quarter Horse Congress -- a month-long event held in Columbus, Ohio. The Dothan, Ala., product captured the NRHA Non Pro Reining Level 2 Stakes title, while also picking up Reserve Champion in the NRHA Non Pro Reining Level 3 Stakes.
Taylor Searles, of Scottsdale, Ariz., also had a top-notch performance at this year's Congress, taking home the Youth Western Pleasure 15-18 Championship. Searles has been a mainstay in the team's Horsemanship lineup this season.
Signee Emma Brown captured a pair of championships while at Congress this year, finding success in Trail. She won both the Youth Trail 15-18 and NSBA Youth Trail 15-18 classes.
This past summer, Searles and classmate Deanna Green had successful showings at the 2017 AQYHA World Championship in Oklahoma City.
Green, the team's leader in Horsemanship this season with a 5-1 record and three MOP honors, excelled in Reining and captured the Youth World Championship in the event.
In addition, Green and Searles put together top 10 finishes in Horsemanship at the yearly championship.
The full Auburn team returns to competition with a busy weekend on the road, facing Baylor (Feb. 2) and Oklahoma State (Feb. 3) away from the Plains.
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