Emma Thomas, 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!
Today’s feature is freshman Sadie Berkhout
Hometown: Eastport, N.Y.
Discipline: Jumping Seat
Prior to Auburn: 2023 Leading WCHR 3'3 Junior Hunter Rider – Northeast Region … 2023 3'3 Junior Hunters Champion at Hampton Classic … 2023 WCHR 3'3 Junior Hunters at WEF Champion … 2023 WCHR Junior Hunter Classic Winner at WEF … 2023 Hampton Classic Long Island Sportsmanship Award … Finished fifth at the 2023 Junior Hunter Finals East … 2023 Circuit Champion 3'3 Junior Hunters at WEF … 2022 Zone 2 Hunter Finals Champion – 3'3 Junior Hunters … 2021 Zone 2 Hunter Finals Champion – 3' Children's Hunters.
Q: What made you want to go to Auburn?
A: “I have always wanted to go to Auburn for as long as I can remember. I have looked up to those on the equestrian team throughout my entire junior career, wishing that that would one day be me. It was always Auburn or nothing. I was not going to go anywhere else!”
Q: What is your major and what do you plan to do with it after you graduate?
A: “I am in pre-business with the Harbert College of Business, and I plan on majoring in management. I truly believe that it will benefit me whether I decide to go professional in the equestrian industry after college or go a different path and find a different career in business.”
Q: What is your favorite Auburn tradition and why?
A: “My favorite Auburn tradition is four corners. I think that it is so special and unique to Auburn and our band is incredible. Even on the rough gamedays you always have the band to pull through!”
Q: What are you looking forward to in the spring part of season and what has been your favorite part so far now that the fall is done?
A: “I am excited to finish the regular season with my best friends and experience my first set of championships on a college team! My favorite part so far now that the fall season is over has to be overall how much success we have had as a whole. Whether you’re competing in Flat, Fences, Reining, Horsemanship, leading horses to the ring, warming horses up, leading a chant or holding a clipboard, everyone has played such an avid role in our success as a team. I think this is super special because not every sport gets the opportunity to play these many roles in a team's overall success. I'm excited to see what all our hard work will bring towards the end of the spring semester!”
Q: How long have you been riding horses and what was the name of your first horse?
A: “I have been riding horses for thirteen years now. I started taking lessons at four years old at a backyard barn near my house on Long Island. I got my first pony, “Tickled Pink” aka Opal for Christmas when I was six years old. She was a 12.2hh grey mare Welsh.”
Q: What has been your favorite riding memory throughout your entire time with the sport?
A: “My favorite riding memory throughout my entire time with the sport is probably WCHR week in Wellington 2023 where I was champion in the Junior Hunters and won the WCHR classic in the same week on two different horses. I was champion on six-year-old “Rare Cask” aka Tully, who I brought up since he was imported to the states. I was so proud of what he accomplished that week and how far he had grown since the first time I sat on him, just a year prior to that moment. I also won the WCHR classic that week on the very talented “Gotcha”. We only brought him out for special classes and he truly rose to the occasion for me to wrap up my dream week.”
Q: How has your freshman experience been so far?
A: “My freshman experience has been incredible so far! I have met so many new people who I now call family and horses that I love like my own. Here at Auburn, we have so many resources to help in every aspect we may need, so the adjustment has been super smooth.”
Q: Where is your favorite place to be on campus or around Auburn and why?
A: “My favorite place to be on campus is the Student Athlete Development Center because it is super close to where I live in South Donahue. I can go there at pretty much any time of the day to get a room and really lock in on schoolwork or complete tests prior to travelling with the team. It is only open to student-athletes so you get to meet a lot of athletes from other sports while there as well. It’s also one of my favorite spots because Natalie Bleazard, our academic counselor, is always there for a laugh and a quick snack!”
Q: What is your favorite Auburn sport to go to and why?
A: “My favorite Auburn sport to go to has to be soccer. Since arriving at Auburn in the fall, I attended almost every home game unless we were travelling for a meet with the team. I am friendly with the girls on the team from being introduced in Natalie’s office and I really enjoy going to support and watch them win!”
Q: What are some hobbies that you like to do outside of riding?
A: “Prior to coming to Auburn, I played lacrosse from fifth grade until my senior year with ESMGVL. I still enjoy playing when I go home with my friends that I grew up playing alongside. I also enjoy any sort of arts and crafts or puzzles. For instance, this past semester I found myself making pom poms for the horses' forelocks on meet day in my down time!”
Q: What is your favorite trip you have taken or your dream trip that you want to take?
A: “A dream trip that I would like to take is to Switzerland. The scenic views look incredible and what is better than cheese and chocolate?”
Q: What is your favorite home cooked meal and what makes it so special?
A: “My favorite home cooked meal is when my parents make Greek or Indian food. My dad and my mom make it all from scratch, so it is something that we do not have frequently. I get really excited to have it when I come home or to celebrate something big.”
Q: Do you have a pre-meet routine? If so, what is it?
A: “I don't really have a specific pre-meet routine although during important shows in the past, I rode with a special charm in my pocket that I considered lucky.”
Q: What has been the best concert you’ve ever attended?
A: “I have never been to a concert before.”