Madison Murray, Auburn Athletics Communications Intern
AUBURN, Ala - The top-ranked Auburn equestrian team has welcomed 22 new faces to the squad in 2024-25 and it’s time to get to know them!
Up next is Abby Eddy!
Hometown: Rocheport, Missouri
Discipline: Western
Prior to Auburn: 2024-25 AQHYA President and NSBYA President … 2024 AQHYA – L1 14-18 Horsemanship Champion, L3 14-18 Horsemanship Finalist, L2 Reining Finalist … 2024 Redbud Spectacular – L1 Youth All-Around Champion, L2 Youth All-Around Champion, L2 Horsemanship Res. Circuit Champion, L1 Trail Res. Circuit Champion, Youth Western Horse High Point Res. Champion … 2023 AQHA Congress Champion in L2 14-18 Trail … 2023 NSBA World Champion in L1 14-18- Trail … Finished second in L1 14-18 Showmanship at 2023 AQHA Youth World Show … Top 10 finishes in Western Pleasure, Horsemanship and Trail at the 2023 AQHA Youth World Show.
Q: Why Auburn?
A: “I chose Auburn because as soon as I stepped foot on campus it felt like home! I really enjoy the town of Auburn itself as it holds so many traditions. Our team's coaches and staff are unmatched in their passion and dedication. I also really admired the cohesiveness of the girls on the team and the friendships they had made!”
Q: What is your major, and what are your plans to do with it after college?
A: “I am majoring in business and hope to enter the world of pharmaceutical sales after college!”
Q: What would you say your biggest accomplishment has been thus far in life?
A: “I have been very blessed to show horses for most of my life. Over the past few years, I have been working with Kendra Weis to teach my mare, Addie, horsemanship. I was so excited to make the Level 3 horsemanship finals with her over the summer at the AQHA Youth World Show!”
Q: How are you balancing your first year being a Division I athlete?
A: “I have really enjoyed my first semester! Although we stay quite busy, there has been a lot of support along the way! I have always enjoyed school, so I have liked attending classes and going to the barn after.”
Q: What are you most looking forward to heading into your spring season?
A: “I’m very excited for the opportunity ahead of us! Being a freshman, I am excited to go to my first championship. I am also looking forward to the continual growth and improvement that we can make in practice. During my first semester, I really felt like I grew as both a rider and teammate and can't wait to continue down that path!”
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Auburn?
A: “I really like Amsterdam Café.”
Q: When and why did you start riding horses?
A: “I have been riding horses since before I can remember! My parents had both been involved with horses during their childhood and gave both my older brother and I the opportunity to do the same.”
Q: Favorite Auburn horse to ride?
A: “Chopper or Red.”
Q: Coming from Missouri, what has surprised you most moving to Alabama?
A: “I was really excited that it stayed warm longer this semester!”
Q: How would your friends and family describe you in three words?
A: “Outgoing, organized, and dedicated”
Q: What do you hope to accomplish while on the team?
A: “I hope to keep growing as a rider and be able to support my teammates as we keep competing!"
Q: Favorite TV show?
A: “Definitely Gossip Girl!”
Q: What would you tell your younger self?
A: “I would advise my younger self to ‘keep chopping’ as Coach Meneely likes to say! I can remember when I was showing my first horse in local open horse shows. During our first semester Coach Meneely has shown us how to truly display grit. This is a trait I have learned is very important to possess and wish I had learned its importance sooner!”