Varsity Equestrian National Champions A U B U R N E Q U E S T R I A N AUBURN UNIVERSITY EQUESTRIAN MEDIA GUIDE QUICK FACTS

QUICK FACTS Location...........................Auburn, Ala. Founded.................................1856 Enrollment..............................23,547 Conference.........................Southeastern Nickname................................Tigers Colors................Burnt Orange and Navy Blue President......................Dr. Ed Richardson Home Facility............Auburn Equestrian Center EQUESTRIAN STAFF Head Coach........................Greg Williams..................................(Auburn 86) Asst. Coach (Hunt Seat)...........Lindsay Neubarth..................................(Auburn 03) Asst. Coach (Western)...............Joanna Booker..................................(Miss. St. 03) Assist. Manager of Operations.........Jerri Caldwell ATHLETIC ADMINISTRATION AUBURN UNIVERSITY EQUESTRIAN 2006-07 MEDIA GUIDE Season Outlook..............................2-3 Roster.......................................4 Coaching Staff.............................5-10 Riders...................................11-24 Season Review............................25-27 Equestrian Timeline........................28-29 All-Time Results...........................30-31 Auburn Equestrian Center...................32-33 AUVSMP....................................34 College of Agriculture.........................35 Academics...............................36-37 Strength/Conditioning........................38 Administration............................39-40 About Auburn............................41-48 About Equestrian..........................49-50 Athletic Director.......................Jay Jacobs Executive Associate AD................Tim Jackson Senior Associate AD/CFO.............Terry Windle Senior Associate AD/Team Support.....Mark Richard Senior Assoc. AD/Student Athlete Support....Virgil Starks Senior Assoc. AD/SWA............Meredith Jenkins Associate AD/Compliance..............Bernard Hill Associate AD/Compliance............Rich McGlynn Associate AD/Marketing and Comm......Nicki Borges Assistant AD/Compliance..............David Mines Faculty Representative............Marcia Boosinger MEDIA RELATIONS Assistant AD/Media Relations.........Kirk Sampson Director of Media Relations/Equestrian.Chuck Gallina Student Assistant/Equestrian.........Audrea Harker email...................harkeag@auburn.edu phone.......................(334) 844-9800 fax..........................(334) 844-9807 Photographer.....................Todd Van Emst Videographer.........................Steve Sain Marketing Contact.....................Mike Hales Media Relations Address..............P.O. Box 351 Auburn, AL 36831-0351 Overnight Address...............Athletic Complex 392 South Donahue Dr. Auburn, AL 36849 AU Internet Site.............www.auburntigers.com CREDITS The 2006-07 Equestrian media guide is published by the Auburn Media Relations Department, a division fo the Auburn Athletics Department. This guide was written, designed and edited by Audrea Harker with assistance from Drew Crowson, Greg Williams, Lindsay Neubarth and Joanna Booker. Special thanks to the Auburn Equestrian staff and team and Dr. Wayne Greene. Photography provided by Todd Van Emst, Emily McLain and Anthony Hall. The cover was designed by Pamela Welch and was printed by Interstate Printing in Mobile, Ala. 1 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions

S E A S O N O U T L O O K Auburn Equestrian is in the midst of its fifth season as a varsity sport and it faces more challenges than ever before. After winning the 2006 National Championship and Reserve Champions in both Western and Hunt Seat, the Tigers are now continuing down their road of success in the 2006-07 season. Only graduating four members of last year s National Championship team, Auburn returns one of their most talent lineups. THE TEAM The 2006-07 season marks an exceptional and important time for Auburn equestrian. This past season, equestrian was named as an official scholarship sport at Auburn. With the addition of scholarships, Auburn has opened a new door to the future of this sport at the university. Getting scholarships has been great, Williams said. It has helped out our old riders and helped to bring in some really top notch riders from across the country. This is something that we hope will continue to grow at a rapid rate. Twenty-two members of last season s team return, looking to pick up in 2007 from where they left off in 2006. With so much talent returning, expectations are high, but so is the pressure. The returnees might feel a little pressure this season, said Williams. They won a national title. After that, you look around and wonder what is next. The only thing to do is to repeat. What we need out of the returnees more than anything is attitude. They need to be the ones leading with a positive attitude, helping the freshmen along and being patient with them. Fourteen newcomers add their talent to Auburn s stacked roster this season, the secondlargest recruiting class in Auburn s history. These recruits have made the trip to Auburn from all over the country. We know that these girls are bringing in a lot of talent into the arena, said Williams. We are really going to stress the team aspect to them. A lot of them have just been waiting for the opportunity to become part of a team. These girls are going to add a lot of depth to our team, and I am excited to see them compete. HUNT SEAT Auburn lost three of its top hunt seat riders from last season, Erin Gaddy, Kelly Gottfried and Cassie McEnroe. Taking their place this season is senior Natalie Burton, who finished 11-7 against the opponents she faced. Also returning to the lineup are sophomores Jessica Braswell, Lauren Hulen and Jenny Reinhart. They combined a 20-11 record their freshman season on hunt seat. Hulen outscored her opponents on hunt seat by an average of 15.6 points, compared to Reinhart s 13.9 and Braswell s 5.0. We lost three really key leaders, but we have someone stepping up right behind them, said Williams. We have some natural leaders on the team that have been in the background, but they will have a chance this season. The Tigers are still young, but the group of returnees have been a part of a Southern Equestrian Championship, a National Championship as well as a Reserve Hunt Seat Championship. Adding their talent to the hunt seat lineup are seven newcomers, some of whom are some of the top ranked riders in the nation. Making an immediate contribution are Chelsea Anheuser (Alpharetta, Ga.), Katie Breedlove (Wellington, Fla.) and Rebecca Rifkin (Littleton, Colo.). Anheuser has competed and qualified at the Maclay Regionals and the USEF Nationals. 2 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions

Breedlove has won championships and reserves at the AHSA Zone, the WEF and the AGA. Rifkin was the Colorado Hunter Jumper Association Overall Equitation Champion, silver and bronze medalist at the ASPCA Regionals and a USEF medal winner. S E A S O N O U T L O O K Appaloosa Youth World Championships in both western and hunt seat events as well as in the stakes race. Jessica Jones (Mentone, Ala.) has shown in the AQHA and has competed in several Youth World Shows. I am excited for the freshman class as a whole, said hunt seat coach Lindsay Neubarth. They are a great group of girls that each has an individual aspect that makes her special. Their talent is what s going to add and enrich this team. They are going to step up right away. WESTERN The western team returns all members but one of the 2006 Reserve National Championship team. With a strong core of veterans, leadership will not be an issue. Stepping up to take on this role will be seniors Ashley Dickerson, Julie Gibbes and Whitney Kimble. Dickerson compiled a 2-6 record, competing in every meet in horsemanship. Gibbes collected a 9-4 record in reining, beating her opponents by an average of 3.0 points. Kimble faced the most opponents for the Tigers last season, competing in every meet in both horsemanship and reining and outscoring her opponents by an average of 8.4 points. Her impressive14-9 record led the team a year ago. It was positioned last year that these girls would be able to step up more this season, said Williams. I am not worried about these three girls. Sophomore Ashley Griffith also returns to Auburn s lineup with an 11-2, overcoming her opponents by a 4.9-point average. Adding their talent to this already accomplished lineup are seven newcomers. Lyndsey Jordan (Georgetown, Ky.) is a two-time National Reining Horse World Champion and an All- Amercian Quarter Horse Congress Champion. Kylie Miller (Scottsdale, Ariz.) has won several We have some very strong recruits, said western coach Joanna Booker. They are going to be a great addition to the already strong roster. They are going to bring a lot of talent and expertise to the western side. SCHEDULE Auburn equestrian opened up the season falling to SEC foe South Carolina in Columbia, 12-7. Auburn continued its road meets with a win over Ohio State, 11-8. After their two road meets, the Tigers finished out the fall season at home when they lost to Georgia 12-7. Auburn opened up its spring schedule with two-meet stint at home beating Stephen F. Austin and Oklahoma State 11-8 and 13-7, respectively, before going to Georgia on Feb. 17. They then play host to South Carolina on Feb. 24 and UT-Martin on Feb. 25. Auburn will travel to Texas from March 1-3 to face TCU, Baylor and Stephen F. Austin in the Texas Trilogy. Auburn returns home to end the season against New Mexico State on March 10 and Delaware State on March 17. The Tigers play host to the 2007 Southern Equestrian Championship from April 6-8. The Varsity Equestrian National Championships will be in Waco, Texas, from April 18-20. We should be a stronger team than what we were last year, said Williams. I also know that all the teams are going to be stronger this year than they have ever been. Every major team that we are going up against is better than years past. 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions 3

R O S T E R A U B U R N NAME DISCIPLINE HT YR HOMETOWN/HS Chelsea Anheuser Hunt Seat 5-9 Fr. Alpharetta, Ga./Milton Jennifer Barbero Western 5-8 Fr. Niceville, Fla./Niceville Senior High Jessica Braswell Hunt Seat 5-5 So. Richmond, Va./St. Catherine s Katie Breedlove Hunt Seat 5-7 Fr. Wellington, Fla./Wellington Natalie Burton Hunt Seat 5-8 Sr. Memphis, Tenn./St. Mary s Episcopal Emily Coates Hunt Seat 5-6 So. St. Augustine, Fla./Bartram Trail Robin Cox Hunt Seat 5-7 So. Mundelein, Ill./Mundelein Ashley Dickerson Western 5-8 Sr. Pensacola, Fla./Booker T. Washington Lauren Downing Western 5-7 So. Dothan, Ala./Houston Academy Julie Gibbes Western 6-1 Sr. St. Matthews, S.C./Hammond Alex Goldstein Hunt Seat 5-4 Sr. Merion, Pa./Lower Merion Ashley Griffith Western 5-0 So. Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Watterson Lauren Hulen Hunt Seat 5-6 So. Alpharetta, Ga./Sequoyah Jessica Jones Western 5-8 Fr. Mentone, Ala./Fort Payne Jennifer Jordan Hunt Seat 5-3 Jr. Trussville, Ala./Hewitt-Trussville Lyndsey Jordan Western 5-9 Fr. Georgetown, Ky./Lexington Christian Acad. Whitney Kimble Western 5-5 Sr. Powell, Ohio/Vestavia Hills Annie Loar Hunt Seat 5-6 Fr. Danville, Calif./ San Ramon Valley Peyton Love Hunt Seat 5-2 Fr. Riverview, Fla./Riverview Liza Luker Hunt Seat 5-4 Fr. Birmingham, Ala./Oak Mountain Erin McMahon Hunt Seat 5-0 Jr. Lafayette, La./Lafayette Kylie Miller Western 5-4 Fr. Scottsdale, Ariz./Horizon Ashley Milton Western 5-10 So. Prattville, Ala./Prattville Sara Netherton Hunt Seat 5-5 So. Murfreesboro, Tenn./Riverdale Coburn Park Hunt Seat 5-7 Jr. Wellington, Fla./Cardinal Newman Kim Pope Western 5-7 Fr. Portal Ga./Portal Lindsay Rane Western 5-6 Fr. Abbeville, Ala./Abbeville Christian Acad. Jenny Reinhart Hunt Seat 5-7 So. Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg Rebecca Rifkin Hunt Seat 5-3 Fr. Littleton, Colo./Colorado Academy Courtney Schafer Hunt Seat 5-3 Fr. Mt. Pleasant, S.C./Wando Chelsea Shaunessy Hunt Seat 5-3 So. Coppell, Texas/Coppell Kimberly Tidwell Western 5-4 Jr. Eclectic, Ala./Elmore County Elizabeth Tinto Hunt Seat 5-2 So. Boulder, Colo./Boulder Maggie White Hunt Seat 5-9 So. Alpharetta, Ga./Milton Mary-Elsye Winchester Western 5-4 Fr. Alpharetta, Ga./The King s Academy Anna Worden Western 5-7 Sr. Ft. Payne, Ala./Grace Presbyterian 4 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions

T H E C O A C H E S

H E A D C O A C H G R E G W I L L I A M S Head Coach Greg Williams led Auburn to its first Equestrian National Championship in 2006. Entering his fifth season at the Tiger helm, Williams faces a multitude of new challenges that this team has never had to face. After this past season s unprecedented National Championship, the bar is now set at an all-time high. However, with this season s new talent combined with last year s experience, the possibilities are limitless. Williams has changed the face of women s athletics and has put the equestrian team on the map. Since his return to his alma mater, Williams has continued to add wealth to this program and is building it to new heights. Since the 1996 debut of the equestrian program, Williams has orchestrated the building of the Equine Center and helped to change the club program to Auburn s 21st varsity sport. He led the Tigers to the 2004 Southern Equestrian Championship as it finished second in the nation. Williams is in his 11th season as head coach of the Auburn equestrian team, the fifth year as a varsity sport. Last season, Williams led the Tigers to their first Varsity Equestrian National Championship, the third National Championship Auburn University received in one month. He coached Whitney Kimble and Ashley Griffith to the National Reigning Horse Association Derby, where they both competed for an individual national title. In 2004, Williams Tigers upset the No. 1 western team in the nation, Oklahoma State, in the first meet of the season. The Tigers finished third at the Southern Equestrian Championship and were sixth overall at the Varsity Equestrian National Championship. Williams coached Whitney Kimble to the NRHA Derby, where she competed for a national title. That marked the first time that an Auburn rider received an invitation for the event. In the 2003-04 season, Williams Tigers upset the competition to become the 2004 Southern Equestrian Champions, the first championship in Auburn equestrian history. That same year, Williams led the Tigers to an incredible runner-up finish at the Varsity Equestrian National Championships. He guided Auburn to the IHSA National Finals in both Hunt Seat and Western in the program's inaugural 2002-03 varsity season. The Tigers were one of only five teams to have a hunt Seat and a Western team to reach nationals. Born in Paragould, Ark., Williams graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor's degree in Animal Sciences in 1986. His career in the horse industry began at a young age as he showed horses, competed in rodeos and roping contests. His mother competed and passed on her passion for horses. Williams' beginning years as a professional were spent in the South and the Southwest train- 6 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions

ing pleasure horses and cutting, haltering and roping horses. These horses were shown at Futurities, Congress and World shows. He began his work at Auburn 15 years ago running the Horse Teaching and Researching Unit. He also continued his professional showing career during his first years back. He is continuing his education at Auburn and is currently working towards a master's degree in adult education. Williams' vision goes further than his education. He is currently working on a plan for a new center for the equestrian team. The facility will include new covered arenas, stables and barns and will be a reality in a few short years. He is also incorporating veterinary sports medicine into the equestrian program. Williams and Dr. Robert L. Gillette, have started a research initiative for the advancement of equine sports medicine. They are heading up a research team that will study different issues in equine sports medicine. Areas of interest are biomechanics, exercise physiology, nutrition, athletic performance and general heard health. The goal of the research will be to study areas of equine sports medicine that have not been studied before and disseminate that information to the equine community for the betterment of the equine athletes. Williams and his wife, Sandi, have two daughters, Toni, 23, who was a member of the Auburn equestrian team, and Erica, 18. Pictured from l to r: Coach Williams, Erica, Toni and Sandi. 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions 7

A S S I S T A N T C O A C H L I N D S A Y N E U B A R T H Lindsay Neubarth is in her third season as an assistant hunt seat coach for Auburn. Last season, Neubarth helped to lead the Tigers to an overall National Championship title as well as a Hunt Seat Reserve Championship and she led the Tigers to a 5-3 hunt seat finish. Neubarth graduated from Auburn University in 2003 with a B.S. degree in psychology, criminology and a minor in Spanish. During her time at Auburn, Neubarth was a part of the Equestrian team from 1999-2003 where she dominated the hunt seat arena and was one of the team s top competitors. As a member of the club team, Neubarth was chosen to assist in coaching for the 2000 season. In her senior year, she was the 12th ranked hunt seat rider in the country and was high point hunt seat rider for the Southeast Region. That same year, she was named the 2003 Region High Point Rider of the Year. Not only did Neubarth excel in the arena, but also in the classroom. She was an SEC Academic All-American and a SAAC representative for two years. Neubarth s passion for horses began at the age of 7 when she began to take lessons. Her first competition was at the age of 9. Eight months prior to coaching at Auburn, Neubarth was the administrative aid to Representative Thom Collier from Ohio. After graduation, she was road manager for Branch Hill Farm in Cincinnati where she managed and rode nationally-ranked horses and ponies on the hunter and jumper AA show circuit. In 2004, Neubarth was named assistant coach after the passing of long time assistant coach Herb Schneider. Neubarth is currently working on her master s degree in sports management. She is the daughter of Skip and Corky Neubarth and has three sibblings. Neubarth is also the aunt of five. 8 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions

A S S I S T A N T C O A C H J O A N N A B O O K E R Joanna Booker is entering her second year as an assistant western coach for the Auburn Tigers. Last season, Booker helped to bring the National Championship to Auburn and led the western team to the National Reserve Championship. In the regular season, she coached the western team to a 5-3 record. Booker graduated from Mississippi State University with a B.S. degree in Animal and Dairy Sciences in 2003 and a M.S. degree in Animal Physiology in 2005. Her thesis is the only in depth research available on kinematics of stock breed western pleasure horses. Booker began showing competitively in the American Paint Horse Association in 1996 and focused on All Around events. In 1999 and 2000, she was the Youth 14-18 High Point winner for the Mississippi Paint Horse Club and placed in the Top 20 at the 1999 AJPHA World Show in Trail. After competing at the youth level, Booker progressed into collegiate riding, including an appearance in the 2003 Southern Equestrian Championship as a senior at MSU. Booker spent two years as the MSU graduate teaching assistant for equine classes and labs as well as the assistant coach for the Equine Judging Team and a co-advisor for the Horseman's Association. Booker will begin working on her Ph.D in biomechanics this spring. Booker is the daughter of Richard and Beth Booker of Brandon, Miss. and has one brother, Richie. 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions 9

S U P P O R T S T A F F Jerri Caldwell Assistant Manager of Operations Auburn Equestrian Center Marc Haon PA Announcer Mike Hales Marketing Audrea Harker Media Relations Student Assistant/ Equestrian James Hardy Strength and Conditioning Janice Robinson Academic Advisor Adam Knight Athletic Trainer Jennifer Taintor DVM Assistant Professor 10 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions

T H E R I D E R S

R I D E R P R O F I L E S A U B U R N C h e l s e a A n h e u s e r 5-9 - Freshman Hunt Seat Alpharetta, Ga. Milton High School Major: Undecided J e s s i c a B r a s w e l l 5-5 - Sophomore Hunt Seat Richmond, Va. St. Catherine s School Major: Agricultural Business and Ecomonics, Spanish Competed in medium and large pony divisions, group equitation, open and children s hunters and JD Pounds Medal... At A shows competed in large juniors, age group equitation, USEF, Maclay and Washington medals... Qualified and competed in the 2005 Maclay Regionals and qualified for the 2005 USEF Nationals... Winner of the 2005 Stacey Ann Boe Memorial Equitation class. Born Chelsea Anheuser on Jan. 23, 1988, in Roswell, Ga.... Daughter of John and Deidre Anheuser and sister to Evan (14)... Lists her favorite book as anything Harry Potter... Describes herself as fun, funny and outgoing. 2005-2006 Competed in every meet for the Tigers as a freshman... scored a 70 over fences vs. Stephen F. Austin, a 71 at UGA, an 81 at South Carolina, an 80 vs. Baylor and an 87 vs. South Dakota State on equitation... Top Tiger Award. Has shown horses and ponies on the A-Circuit... won the 2002 and 2004 VHSA associate championship for best child rider on a horse... qualified for VHSA medal finals from 2002-05. Born Jessica Braswell on Mar. 5, 1987, in Birmingham, Ala.... Daughter of Jamey and Amy Braswell, and sister to Troy (17)... Describes herself as motivated, hard-working and competitive... Lists favorite pro athlete as LeBron James. J e n n i f e r B a r b e r o 5-8 - Freshman Western Niceville, Fla. Niceville Senior High Major: Ag. Business and Economics Has shown for the past four years in AQHA shows... In 2006, showed at the Dixie Nationals... Was the Northwest Florida Quarter Horse Association year-end All Around Novice Youth in 2004 and 2005... Won two AQHA All Around Register of Merit awards. Born Jennifer Barbero on Nov. 1, 1987, in Dayton, Ohio... Daughter to Russ and Anne Barbero, and sister to Carrie (26)... Came to Auburn for the atmosphere, campus and equestrian team... Describes herself as determined, easy going and fun. Jessica Braswell 12 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions

K a t i e B r e e d l o v e 5-7 - Freshman Hunt Seat Wellington, Fla. Wellington Major: Pre-Business A U B U R N R I D E R P R O F I L E S N a t a l i e B u r t o n 5-8 - Senior Hunt Seat Memphis, Tenn. St. Mary s Episcopal Major: History Competed in the Pony Finals at the Capital Challenge and at the Grand Prix... Competed at the WEF for the past eight years... AHSA Zone Final Reserve Champion... Overall Reserve Champion at WEF... AHSA Zone Final Champion in Large Ponies... AGA Champion for Children Jumpers and for Low Junior Jumpers... In 2004 was the AHSA Zone Final Reserve Champion for Junior Jumpers and placed first and second in Junior Jumper Classics including the WEF. Born Katherine Elizabeth Breedlove on Feb. 10, 1988, in West Palm Beach, Fla.... Daughter of Nancy and Les Breedlove, and sister to Nicki (21) and Bonnie (16)... Came to Auburn because family went to school here and she loves the people. 2005-2006 Scored an 80 over fences and a 79 in equitation at Ohio State, had high ride of 80 in equitation vs. Stephen F. Austin, received a 68 over fences and a 70 on equitation vs. South Carolina, scored an 83 in equitation and a high ride of 82 over fences at Georgia, had a 74 in equitation vs. Georgia and a high ride of 83 over fences vs. South Dakota State... At the VENCs, posted 138 and 166 in round one, 101 and 148 in round one bye, 120 and 116 in round two and 136 in the first place bracket... Top Tiger. 2004-2005 As a sophomore, competed in every meet... Received a 54 on the flat and a 71.5 over fences at SECs... High ride with an 81 on the flat vs. Ohio State... High ride over fences with an 88 against South Carolina... High ride at Oklahoma State over fences with an 82.2... High ride at South Carolina with a 76 over fences... High ride vs. Oklahoma State over fences with a 78... Top Tiger. 2003-04 Was the California Classic High Point Rider for Hunt Seat... The SEC Championships High Point Rider over fences... Champion Equitation on the Flat rider at Varsity Nationals... High point ride on Huntseat over fences with a score of 82 at SEC... High point rides of 78 on English Equitation and 64 over fences at Georgia... High point rides of 72 on English Equitation and 70 over fences at Texas A&M. Was a national finalist in the ASPCA - Maclay Championships in 2002... Was a regional finalist in both 2001 and 2002 in the event... Was the 2002 Christy Conard Equitation winner. Born Natalie Zara Burton on July 31, 1985, in Basingstake, Hampshire, U.K.... Daughter of Sheelagh and Roy Burton, and sister to Georgina (17)... Goal for the season is to be undefeated her senior year... Interned this summer at a New York City law firm. Natalie Burton 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions 13

R I D E R P R O F I L E S A U B U R N E m i l y C o a t e s 5-6 - Sophomore Hunt Seat St. Augustine, Fla. Bartram Trail Major: Equine Sciences A s h l e y D i c k e r s o n 5-8 - Senior Western Pensacola, Fla. Booker T. Washington Major: Animal Sciences Started riding at the age of 4. Born Emily Youngston Coates on Oct. 4, 1986, in St. Augustine, Fla.... Daughter of Tom Coates and Cathy Youngstram and sister to Torrey (17)... Came to Auburn for the atmosphere and the team... Lists her favorite food as olives and athlete as Chris Kapler. 2005-2006 Competed in every meet in horsemanship... Had personal highs with a 72.5 vs. Stephen F. Austin... Scored a 71 vs. South Carolina... Posted a 70 vs. South Dakota State... Scored 69.5 at Ohio State... Scored a 69 vs. Baylor. Riding for seven years... Compteted in Pensacola Hunter/Jumper Shows, AQHA and 4-H shows and has placed in every one. Born Ashley Jean Dickerson on Oct. 18, 1984, in Baton Rouge, La. Daughter of Jim and Sandy, and sister to Laura (30), Jamie (23) and Andy (18)... Loves to wakeboard and go to the beach. R o b i n C o x 5-7 - Sophomore Hunt Seat Mundelein, Ill. Mundelein Major: Business Administration Competed on the A-Circuit in the Midwest and has been riding since the age of 7. Born Robin Kathryn Cox on Aug. 7, 1987, in Larke Forest, Ill.... Daughter of Mike and Kathy Cox, and sister to Michael (22)... describes herself as funny and loyal... her family breeds AKC black labs. Ashley Dickerson 14 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions

L a u r e n D o w n i n g 5-7 - Sophomore Western Dothan, Ala. Houston Academy Major: Zoology, Pre-Vet R I D E R P R O F I L E S J u l i e G i b b e s 6-1 - Senior Western St. Matthews, S.C. Hammond Major: Exercise Science Minor: Psychology Riding since the age of 10... Placed first with 2- and 3-year-old quarter horses at Boots and Saddles in Dothan... Has taught at Valley View Ranch Equestrian Camp for girls. Born Lauren Marie Downing on June 5, 1987, in Dothan, Ala.... Daughter of Michael and Connie Downing, and sister to Michelle (24) and Shannon (16)... describes herself as eager, cheerful and reliable. 2005-2006 Competed in every meet in reining... Had best rides of 74.5 vs. Stephen F. Austin... Scored a 73 at Georgia and vs. Baylor... Scored a 72.5 vs. Georgia and vs. South Dakota State... Scored a 72 at Ohio State... At the VENCs, posted a 143 in round one, 139.5 in round one bye, 141 in round two and 135.5 in the first place bracket... Top Tiger. Placed fourth at the CCI in Bromont, Canada... State winner at training and preliminary levels in 2000-02... Has competed in three international competitions... Named to Who's Who Among High School Students. Born Jewell Younger Gibbes on Dec. 29, 1984, in Columbia, S.C... Daughter of George and Ethel Gibbes, and sister to Georgia (17)... Describes herself as tall, loud and ambitious... Goals for the season are to qualify for the reining derby and beat Georgia at home... Wants to go to physical therapy school. Julie Gibbes 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions 15

R I D E R P R O F I L E S A U B U R N A l e x G o l d s t e i n 5-4 - Senior Hunt Seat Merion, Pa. Lower Merion Major: Finance A s h l e y G r i f f i t h 5-0 - Sophomore Western Plain City, Ohio Bishop Watterson Major: Undecided 2005-2006 Competed at the South Dakota State meet... Scored a 71 over fences... Top Tiger. 2004-2005 Top Tiger. Competed in Pennsylvania and Virginia. Born Alexandra Goldstein on May 21, 1985, in Philadelphia, Pa.... Daughter of Jonathon and Carol Goldstein, and sister to David (18)... Varsity high school swimmer... Lists her goal this season as keeping the spirit alive and keeping teammates passionate and mentally tough. 2005-2006 Competed in every meet as a freshman in reining... Posted personal highs vs. Baylor and Georgia with a 74.5... Scored a 73.5 vs. South Dakota State... Scored a 72.5 vs. Stephen F. Austin and at Georgia... Scored a 72 at Ohio State... At the VENCs, posted a 140 in round one, 134 in round one bye, 139 in round two and a 142 in the first place bracket... Competed at the NRHA Derby. Riding since the age of 7... Was a Congress Reserve Champion, a reserve world champion and a world champion in 2000 in the NRHA 13-and-under... A two-time limited non pro derby champion. Born Ashley Griffith on June 20, 1986, in Columbus, Ohio... Daughter to Ollie and Debbie Griffith, and sister to Austin (15)... Describes herself as outgoing and dedicated. Alex Goldstein Ashley Griffith 16 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions

L a u r e n H u l e n 5-6 - Sophomore Hunt Seat Alpharetta, Ga. Sequoyah Major: Entrepreneurship and Family Business R I D E R P R O F I L E S J e s s i c a J o n e s 5-8 - Freshman Western Mentone, Ala. Fort Payne Major: Pre-Veterinary Medicine 2005-2006 Had high ride of the meet at Ohio State with an 82 over fences... High ride over fences with a 90 vs. Georgia... Scored an 82 over fences at Georgia... Rode an 85 in equitation at South Carolina as well as an 82 over fences... At the VENCs, posted a 122 in round one, 152 in round two and a 156 in the first place bracket... Top Tiger. Competed since the age of 7 in state and national competitions... Won several state titles... Ribboned at nationals. Born Lauren Wynn Hulen on Mar. 3, 1987... Daughter of Clayton and Janet Hulen, and sister to Erinn (20)... Describes herself as determined and fun... Goal for the season is to help the team win another National Championship. Showed in the American Quarter Horse Association... Competed all over the nation and at the American Quarter Horse Youth World Show and the All- American Quarter Horse Congress... Has multiple High Point Youth All Around Awards in Alabama... High Point Hunter Under Saddle Horse for Alabama and Tennessee... Finished 11th out of 120 at the Congress in Hunter Under Saddle and 10th out of 160 in hunt seat equitation. Born Jessica Elaine Jones on Oct. 10, 1987, in Fort Payne, Ala.... Daughter of Ronnie and Gail Jones, and sister to Kristen (24) and Candace (23)... Taught riding at Camp Skyline over the summer... Her dad played football for Auburn in the 1970s... Describes herself as nice, easy going and competitive. J e n n i f e r J o r d a n 5-3 - Junior Hunt Seat Trussville, Ala. Hewitt Trussville Major: Animal/Dairy Sciences, Pre-Vet 2005-2006 Scored a 73 vs. Stephen F. Austin in equitation... High point ride vs. South Dakota State with a 90 in equitation... Top Tiger. 2004-2005 Top Tiger. Competed at Alabama Hunter/Jumper Shows... AHJA State Champion... AHJA four time Reserve Champion... Graduated first out of 256. Born Jennifer A. Jordan on Mar. 5, 1986, in Birmingham, Ala... Daughter of Skip and Barbara, and sister to Jane and Rusty... Lists favorite quote as what doesn t kill me makes me stronger. Lauren Hulen 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions 17

R I D E R P R O F I L E S A U B U R N L y n d s e y J o r d a n 5-9 - Freshman Western Georgetown, Ky. Lexington Christian Academy Major: Agricultural Communications W h i t n e y K i m b l e 5-5 - Senior Western Powell, Ohio Vestavia Hills Major: Psychology Two-time National Reining Horse World Champion and All-American Quarter Horse Congress Champion... USEF Champion and Reserve Champion... Multiple Derby Championships and North American Youth Championships. Born Lyndsey Caitlin Jordan on Feb. 20, 1988, in Georgetown, Ky.... Daughter of Harold and Becky Jordan... Came to Auburn for the equestrian team, the people and the campus... Describes herself as compassionate and entergetic. Whitney Kimble 2005-2006 Competed in every meet... had high rides in reining vs. Stephen F. Austin with a 75.5, vs. South Carolina with a 74.5 and vs. South Dakota State with a 74.5... high rides in horsemanship vs. Baylor with a 79, at Ohio State with a 74.5 and vs. South Carolina with a 74... At the VENCs, posted a 137.5 and 139 in round one, 138.5 and 143.5 in round one bye, 139 and 142.5 in round two and a 140.5 and 143.5 in the first place bracket... Competed at the NRHA Derby... Top Tiger. 2004-2005 Competed in every meet as a sophomore... Rode in the National Reining Horse Association Derby... Scored a 73.5 in horsemanship at the SECs... High ride against Ohio State with a 75 in reining... High ride against Oklahoma State with an 82.5 in horsemanship... Top Tiger. 2003-2004 Placed fifth on Western Reining at Varsity Nationals... High point rides of 67 on Western Horsemanship and 73.7 on reining vs. South Carolina... scored a 60.625 at SECs on reining. Came in seventh at the 1999 World Championship Show... Was a World Championship qualifier for fivestraight years... Has been in the national top 10 for the past eight years... In 2003, won Horse of the Year, Performance Horse of the Year, Out of State All- Around and Hunter Under Saddle All-Around in Ohio. Born Whitney Kimble on Nov. 15, 1984 in Columbus, Ohio... Daughter of Becky and Don Kimble, and sister to Garrett(19)... Describes herself as outgoing, driven and caring. 18 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions

A n n i e L o a r 5-6 - Freshman Hunt Seat Danville, Calif. San Ramon Valley Major: Animal Sciences, Pre-Vet R I D E R P R O F I L E S L i z a L u k e r 5-4 - Freshman Hunt Seat Birmingham, Ala. Oak Mountain Major: Apparel Merchandising Has shown throughout northern California in both hunters and equitation... Won the Pre Green hunters... Received second place in large equitation class at Pebble Beach. Born Andrea Christian Loar on May 20, 1988, in Valdosta, Ga.... Daughter to Jim and Michele Loar and sister to Ian (23)... Lists favorite food as pickles and chicken fingers... Describes herself as friendly, diligent and loyal. Competed in A shows across the southeast... Finished second in Zone 4 at Conyers, Ga.... Riding since age of 10. Born Liza Whitney Luker on Aug. 31, 1988, in Birmingham, Ala.... Daughter to Phil and Suzanne Luker, and has a twin brother Whitt... Describes herself as fun, outgoing and nice... Lists favorite food as macaroni and cheese and favorite quote as Life s a garden, dig it. P e y t o n L o v e 5-2 - Freshman Hunt Seat Riverview, Fla. Riverview Major: Pre-Veterinary Medicine E r i n M c M a h o n 5 0 - Junior Hunt Seat Lafayette, La. Lafayette Major: Business Administration Been riding for 13 years... 2000 PCHA Medium Pony Hunter Champion... 2000 PCHA Best Child Rider Purse Snatcher Award... 2001 CTFHJA Children s Jumper Reserve Champion... 2001 PCHA Child/Adult Jumper Champion... 2003 CFHJA Childrens Jumper Champion... 2004 NFHJA Child/Adult Jumper... 2004 AHJA Winner. Born Peyton Love on March 2, 1988, in Ruskin, Fla.... Daughter of Scott and Gay Lynn Love and sister to Choloe (15)... describes herself as loyal, entertaining and committed. 2005-2006 Scored a 71 over fences vs. Stephen F. Austin... Scored a 84 in equitation vs. South Dakota State... Top Tiger. 2004-2005 Top Tiger. Has been riding since age 5... Participated in the US Pony Club... Was the 2003 MHJA Year-End Champion in Children s Hunters and Children s Equitation over fences... National Honor Society member. Born Erin Katherine McMahon on Mar. 12, 1986, in New Orleans, La.... Daughter of Paul and Mary McMahon, and sister to Kyle (16)... lists goals for the season as improving in the arena and to be seen as a role model in the classroom, community and to teammates. 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions 19

R I D E R P R O F I L E S 5-4 - Freshman Western Scottsdale, Ariz. Horizon Major: Nursing A U B U R N K y l i e M i l l e r S a r a N e t h e r t o n 5-5 - Sophomore Hunt Seat Murfreesboro, Tenn. Riverdale Major: Animal Science Part of the Appaloosa Youth World Shows from 2001-06 and was the champion western rider in 2001... champion hunter under saddle in 2002... champion western rider and in hunt seat equitation in 2003... champion in English showmanship in 2004... champion in stakes race and hunt seat equitation in 2005... in 2006, was the reserve champion in stake race, in 18-and-under saddle seat pleasure and in saddle seat equitation... had many other awards in the Appaloosa shows... Also competed in the Houston Livestock shows and was high point rider several times. Riding since the age of 10... competed in dressage and eventing. Born Sara Michelle Netherton on Aug. 19, 1987, in Austin, Texas... Daughter of Greg and Teresa Tice, and sister to Alyson (18), Emily (18) and Danielle (16)... lists favorite actor as Brad Pitt... favorite book as The DaVinci Code... favorite quote as "Love is shown in your deeds, not your words." Born Kylie Miller on Oct. 10, 1987, in Scottsdale, Ariz.... Daughter to Scott and Jenny Miller and sister to Jenna (21) and Carrie (16)... Came to Auburn because of the equestrian team and the nursing program... Describes herself as determined, encouraging and realistic. A s h l e y M i l t o n 5-10 - Sophomore Western Prattville, Ala. Prattville Major: Ag. Business andeconomics 2005-2006 Competed in horsemanship for the Tigers... Scored a personal best of 77 vs. Baylor... Had high ride of 73.5 vs. South Dakota State... Rode a 72 vs. Stephen F. Austin... At the VENCs, posted a 139.5 in round one, 142.5 in round one bye, 134.5 in round two and a 141 in the first place bracket. Has shown at the AOHA State the past five years... Showed at the Palomino Youth World Show this past summer... Two-time Alabama State Champion... Twotime Palomino World Champion. Born Ashley Milton on Sept. 5, 1986, in Montgomery, Ala.... Daughter of Paul and Kathy Milton, and sister to Matt (17)... lists "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again" as her favorite quote... favorite movie as 8 Seconds... favorite food as ice cream... favorite pro athlete as Tom Brady. Ashley Milton 20 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions

C o b u r n P a r k 5-7 - Junior Hunt Seat Wellington, Fla. Cardinal Newman Major: Zoology R I D E R P R O F I L E S K i m P o p e 5-7 - Freshman Western Portal, Ga. Portal Major: Agronomy and Soils 2005-2006 Competed against Baylor and scored a 59 in equitation... Top Tiger. 2001 AHSA Zone Final Reserve Champion... 2002 Champion in childrens 15-17 at USGPL Invitational Finals... 2002 second-place overall at Southeastern Region for the World Champion Hunter Rider... Reserve Champion in WCHR Finals at Capital Challenge... top 24 in nation in State Line Tack Childrens medal in 2002... ninth in State Line Tack National Childrens medal finals indoors at Capital Challenge. Part of the Georgia Federation of Saddle Clubs, Horseman s Quarter Horse Association, Bulloch County Horseman s Association, Georgia 4-H and the AQHA... Was a two-time State Champion Hunter Under Saddle. Born Kimberly Joy Pope on Feb. 12, 1988, in Stateboro, Ga.... Daughter of Dennis and Joy Pope and sister to Amanday (15)... Lists favorite food and red-velvet cake and wants to improve her riding to be a competitive varsity rider. Born Coburn Park on Jan. 30, 1986, in Miami, Fla.... Daughter of Houston and Pamela Park, and sister to Chase (22)... Describes herself as motivated, enthusiastic and ambitious... Lists her favorite food as dark chocolate and quote as Never give up. L i n d s a y R a n e 5-6 - Freshman Western Abbeville, Ala. Abbeville Christian Academy Major: Equine Sciences Competed in barrel racing... Competed in rodeos for 12 years... Has won several firsts in barrel racing. Born Lindsay Anne Rane on May 8, 1988, in Dothan, Ala.... Daughter of Jimmy and Angela Rane, and sister to Ashleigh (31), James (30), Jason (27) and Chris (26)... Describes herself as outgoing, honest and loyal... Goals for the season are to do well in school and for the team. Coburn Park 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions 21

R I D E R P R O F I L E S A U B U R N J e n n y R e i n h a r t 5-7 - Sophomore Hunt Seat Brownsburg, Ind. Brownsburg Major: Elementary Education R e b e c c a R i f k i n 5-3 - Freshman Hunt Seat Littleton, Colo. Colorado Academy Major: Animal Science 2005-2006 Had personal high rides at USC with a 88 in equitation, scored a 87 in equitation at UGA and an 81 at Ohio State, and an 80 vs. Baylor over fences... At the VENCs, posted a 138 in round one, a 155 in round one bye, 98 in round two and a 131 in the first place bracket... Top Tiger. Been showing IHJA and USEF shows for several years... 2004 IHJA junior medal champion. Born Jennifer Whitney Reinhart on December 30, 1986 in Indianapolis, Ind.... Daughter to Don and Dabney Reinhart, and sister to Drew (16)... spent the summer lifeguarding... lists her favorite food as macaroni and cheese and her goals for the season as winning another national championship. Was Colorado Hunter Jumper Association Overall Equitation Champion in 2005... ASPCA Regional Silver Medalist in 2005 and bronze medalist in 2003... Colorado National Junior Medal Champion in 2002... Zone Winner USEF Hunt Seat Medal in 2005.. competed at Harrisburg in 2000, 20002 and 2004... competed at West Coast Junior Hunter finals, West Coast Equitation finals and at Capital Challenge in 2002 and 2004. Born Rebecca Elaine on February 2, 1988 in Tuscon, Ariz.... Daughter of Dr. Robert and Dr. Julia Rifkin, and sister to Joel (16)... lists her favorite pro athlete as Joe Fargis and describes herself as quiet, thoughtful and shy. C o u r t n e y S c h a f e r 5-3 - Freshman Hunt Seat Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Wando Major: Communications Qualified for five years in Medium Pony Hunters and USEF Pony Medal... Earned Western Pennsylvania Professional Horseman s Assoc. Medium Pony Championship and was Reserve Champion... Place 11th in National Pony Finals... Qualified for Large Junior Hunter Finals in 2003-06... In 2004 won the Southeast Regional Junior Hunter Championship Award and qualified for the Governor s Cup Finals and placed fifth with a rail... In 2005 won South Carolina Hunter Jumper Assoc. Regular Working Hunter award. Jenny Reinhart Born Courtney Schafer on May 1, 1988, in Pittsburgh, Pa.... Daughter to Chris and Lisa Schafer and sister to Scott (23)... Describes herself as energetic, extrovert and easy going... Her favorite quote is Don t take life too seriously, you ll never get out alive. 22 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions

C h e l s e a S h a u n e s s y 5-3 - Sophomore Hunt Seat Coppell, Texas Coppell Major: Secondary Education R I D E R P R O F I L E S Competed in North Texas Hunter Jumper Club circuit for the past six years... Top 15 in year end pre-green standing. Born Chelsea Ann Shaunessy on April 9, 1987, in Dallas, Texas... Daughter of Pat and Nancy Shaunessy... Goals for the season are to get stronger and be more confident... Describes herself as goofy, sarcastic and competitive. K i m b e r l y T i d w e l l 5-4 - Junior Western Eclectic, Ala. Elmore County Major: Pre-Veterinary Medicine 2005-2006 Competed in every meet in both horsemanship and reining... had high rides in horsemanship vs. Stephen F. Austin with a 75.5, Ohio State with a 74.5 and vs. South Carolina with a 72... personal high rides in reining of 73.5 vs. South Dakota State and a 72 vs. Baylor... At the VENCs, posted a 142 in round one, 135 in round one bye, 141 in round two and a 142.5 in the first place bracket... Top Tiger. 2004-2005 Competed in every meet as a freshman... Scored a 64 in horsemanship and a 65.625 in reining at SECs... High ride against South Carolina with a 75 on reining... High ride against Oklahoma State with a 82.5 on horsemanship... Top Tiger. Prior To Auburn A seven-time World Champion and five-time Reserve World Champion in PHBA halter, western pleasure and hunter under saddle... Grew up as a trainer's daughter. Born Kimberly LaRue Tidwell on May 1, 1986, in Montgomery, Ala.... Daughter of Steve and Barbara Tidwell, and sister to Brittany (29)... Describes herself as straight-forward... Lists favorite food as macaroni and cheese. Kimberly Tidwell E l i z a b e t h T i n t o 5-2 - Sophomore Hunt Seat Boulder, Colo. Boulder Major: Animal Science, Pre-Vet Has been riding since the age of 7 and shown since the age of 10... competed on the Colorado and USEF circuit for the past three years... 2004 Colorado Hunter Jumper Association Jr. hunter reserve champion... fourth in year end USEF childrens hunters 15-17... qualifier for the Colorado Hunter Jumper medal finals... third in 2003 in the Columbine Jr. medal. Born Elizabeth Rose Tinto on May 9, 1987, in Chesapeake, Va.... Daughter of Joseph and Sarah Tinto, and sister to David (16)... Describes herself as tiny, feisty and hardworking... Ran the Blue Cloud Farm camps this summer in Colorado. 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions 23

R I D E R P R O F I L E S A U B U R N M a g g i e W h i t e 5-9 - Sophomore Hunt Seat Alpharetta, Ga. Milton Major: Pharmacy Mary-Elsye Winchester 5-4 - Freshman Western Alpharetta, Ga. The King s Academy Major: Agriculture Economics 2005-2006 Competed for the Tigers in both over fences and equitation... best rides over fences include 77 vs. Stephen F. Austin and a 75 at South Carolina... best equitation rides include an 89 vs. South Dakota State, 88 vs. Georgia and 82 at Georgia... At the VENCs, posted a 112 in round one bye, 103 in round two and a 148 in the first place bracket. Competed in GHJA local rated shows... USEF "A" rated shows... competed in USEF medal and Maclay... qualified and competed at Maclay regionals and USEF medal finals at Pennsylvania National Horse Show in 2004... JD Pounds winner. Member of the Southern Expressions Drill team for four years... Competed in the Perry, Ga., State Competition and won first place in open division in 2002 and second in 2003... Competed in the NRHA. Born Mary-Elsye Winchester on Mar. 31, 1988, in Dallas, Texas... Daughter of Greg and Jan Winchester, and sister to Dustin (20), Caleb (16), Sarah-Anne (14), Asa (11) and Rebecca-Joy (4)... Describes herself as devoted, motivated and someone who loves to laugh... Goals for the season are to ride her best and support the team. Born Margaret White on Feb. 22, 1987, in Roswell, Ga.... Daughter of Jim and Cindy White and sister to Macy (16) and Molly (12)... Describes herself as outgoing, fun-loving and loyal. A n n a W o r d e n 5-7 - Senior Western Ft. Payne, Ala. Grace Presbyterian Major: Animal Science, Pre-Vet 2005-2006 Top Tiger. Worked at Skyline camp and Riverview camp... was a CHI and LCHI riding instructor and trainer. Born Anna Margit Worden on May 5, 1984, in Pompano, Fla.... Daughter of Rick and Diane Worden, and sister to Jennifer (24) and Daniel (18)... Worked as a Vet technician this summer... Describes herself as fun, determined and friendly. Maggie White 24 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions

S e a s o n i n R e v i e w

S E A S O N R E V I E W A U B U R N Kelly Gottfried The 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Championship Trophy The 2005-06 season was a historic one for Auburn s Equestrian team as the Tigers won their first National Championship in school history. After finishing third in the Southern Equestrian Championships, Auburn had to face two conference foes that it hadn t beaten the entire season if it wanted to win the national championship. Auburn proved itself to be up to the challenge, edging both South Carolina and Georgia in the Varsity Equestrian Championships to capture the program s firstever national crown. Senior Kelly Gottfried and junior Whitney Kimble posted team-high scores in their respective divisions to help clinch the overall national championship in the first day of competition at the EXPO/New Mexico State Fairgrounds. "It is unbelievable," said head coach Greg Williams. "To know the girls rode so great in the Hunt Seat and Western is exciting. It was a super day and the girls have been great together. The whole team rallied and turned up huge scores. Auburn finished second in the Western and Hunt Seat divisions, but claimed the overall title by nine points. Oklahoma State and South Carolina finished tied for second with 21 points, followed by Georgia (16), Texas A&M (13) and New Mexico State (9). The pivotal match at the national championships was a contest between Georgia and Auburn. The Tigers' seventh-seeded Western team defeated No. 3 seed Georgia 841.5-840 while the Tigers' No. 5 seed Hunt Seat team defeated the top-seeded Bulldogs 776-735. The hunt seat came down to the last rider, and Auburn was able to pull out the victory despite Kelly Gottfried drawing a tough horse. In the Western Division, Whitney Kimble posted a 142.5 as Auburn's final rider to give the Tigers the win. Kimberly Tidwell, Julie Gibbs and Ashley Griffith also defeated their Georgia opponents. "It hasn't sunk in yet that we are national champions," said Kimble. "I know we are but it's just unbelievable. I rode before the Georgia girl and she rode very well. I had a lump in my stomach waiting for the judges' score on her ride. We worked so hard this year and it's a super feeling." 26 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions

The National Championship was the high point of an up and down season for the Tigers. Auburn opened with season with a road win over Ohio State, defeating the Buckeyes by 47.5 points. After the big win, Auburn returned for its home opener and handily defeated Stephen F. Austin. The Tigers then fell in consecutive matches to Georgia and South Carolina to close the fall season. The Gamecocks greeted Auburn to open the spring season as well, dropping the Tigers for the second time in as many meets. Auburn rebounded quickly though, defeating Baylor two weeks later. Auburn sandwiched a win over South Dakota State between a loss to Georgia and a loss to South Carolina in the first round of the Southern Equestrian Championships before making what would be a historic trip to the national championships. S E A S O N R E V I E W The 2006 Hunt Seat team at the Varsity National Championships 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions 27

T I M E L I N E A U B U R N AU Horse Unit established with donation from Dr. James Hicks to the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences Richard G. and Dorthy A. Metcalf Veterinary Sports Medicine Program founded 1964 1989 1991 Department of Animal Sciences equine instruction and outreach programs initiated Equestrian becomes a varsity sport Feb. 18 Broke regional record during hunt seat competition @ USC with 44 points March 4 Team wins first regional title April 8 Team crowned Zone 5 Champs 2002 May 7 Seventh at IHSA Aug. 28 Christi Stewart wins 2 National Titles; Non-pro Hunter Under Saddle and Non-pro Showmanship April 10 Third at Southern Equestrian Championships 2005 April 17 Sixth at VENC 28 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions

Equestrian team established as club sport at AU Horsemans Club 1996 1997 2001 Greg Williams begins equestrian program Auburn becomes National Invitational Equestrian Classic Champions Feb. 17 Team Wins Region 2 Championship March 27 Southern Equestrian Champions 2003 2004 April Eighth at VENC, Second at SECs April 24 Second place at National Championships April 9 Third at Southern Equestrian Championships April 22 Auburn Claims First Varsity Equestrian National Championshp Reserve Champions in Western and Hunt Seat 2006 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions 29

A L L -T I M E R E S U L T S 2002-03 DATE LOCATION COMPETITION WESTERN HUNTSEAT OVERALL Sept. 28 South Carolina Hunt Seat, Western 1st 2nd 1st Nov. 2 Judson College Western 1st - - - - Nov. 3 Judson College Western t1st - - - - Nov. 23 Georgia Hunt Seat, Western 2nd 1st - - Jan. 18 California Classic Hunt Seat, Western 3rd 1st 1st Feb. 15 South Carolina Hunt Seat, Western 2nd 3rd - - March 1 Augusta State Hunt Seat - - 2nd - - March 2 Augusta State Hunt Seat - - 1st - - March 8 Auburn Spring Classic Hunt Seat - - 3rd - - March 9 Auburn Spring Classic Hunt Seat - - 1st - - March 22 Auburn Regional Team Finishes 1st 1st - - April 5-6 Berry College Zone 2nd 1st - - April 18 Texas A&M Varsity Nationals 7th 9th 8th April 26 Athens, Ga. Southern Equestrian Championships - - - - 2nd May 2-4 Middle Tennessee IHSA Nationals 12th 5th - - 2003-04 DATE OPPONENT LOCATION WESTERN HUNTSEAT OVERALL Oct. 25 South Carolina Auburn 2nd 2nd 2nd Nov. 6 Georgia Athens, Ga. 1st 2nd 2nd Feb. 21 South Carolina Columbia, SC 2nd 2nd 2nd Feb. 27 Texas A&M College Station, Texas 2nd 2nd 2nd March 5 Georgia Auburn 2nd 2nd 2nd March 13 California Classic Fresno, Calif. 5th 4th 5th March 27-28 Southern EQ Champ. Auburn 1st 1st 1st April 23-24 Varsity Nationals Conyers, Ga. 3rd 2nd 2nd 2004-05 DATE OPPONENT LOCATION WESTERN HUNTSEAT OVERALL Oct. 2 Oklahoma State Auburn 1st 1st 1st Oct. 29 South Carolina Columbia, SC 1st 2nd 1st Nov. 5 Georgia Athens, Ga. 2nd 2nd 2nd Jan. 29 Oklahoma State Stillwater, Okla. 2nd 2nd 2nd Feb. 12 Georgia Auburn 2nd 2nd 2nd Feb. 26 South Carolina Auburn 1st 1st 1st March 19 Ohio State Auburn 1st 1st 1st April 9 Southern EQ Champ. Columbia, SC - - - - 3rd April 15-16 Varsity Nationals Santa Fe, NM t7th 5th 6th 2005-06 DATE OPPONENT LOCATION WESTERN HUNTSEAT OVERALL Oct. 8 Ohio State Plain City, Ohio 1st 2nd 1st Oct. 25 Stephen F. Austin Auburn 1st 1st 1st Nov. 5 South Carolina Auburn 1st 2nd 2nd Nov. 11 Georgia Athens, Ga. 2nd 1st 2nd Feb. 12 South Carolina Columbia, S.C. 2nd 2nd 2nd Feb. 25 Baylor Auburn 1st 1st 1st March 4 Georgia Auburn 2nd 2nd 2nd March 18 South Dakota State Auburn 1st 1st 1st April 9 Southern EQ Champ. Athens, Ga. - - - - 3rd April 15-16 Varsity Nationals Albuquerque, N.M 2nd 2nd 1st 30 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions

AT OHIO STATE 10/8/05 WESTERN HORSEMANSHP Whitney Kimble 74.5 R. Roesser 71.5 Kimberly Tidwell 74.5 A. Kovar 74.5 Katelen Ream 72 K. Ceddia 73.5 Ashley Milton 71.5 L. Gombash 71.5 Ashley Dickerson 69.5 H. Roberts 69.5 WESTERN REINING Whitney Kimble 73 A. Kovar 73 Julie Gibbes 72 J. Jouwicz 71 Katelen Ream 0 B. Stacel 72 Ashley Griffith 72 K. Ceddia 75 Kimberly Tidwell 71 K. Trimmer 0 EQUITATION OVER FENCES Natalie Burton 80 C. Commons 78 Lauren Hulen 82 M. Brown 70 Kelly Gottfried 76 A. Strauss 74 Erin Gaddy 72 M. Siegel 68 Cassie McEnroe 80 E. Smith 72 EQUITATION ON THE FLAT Cassie McEnroe 74 L. Falter 67 Erin Gaddy 78 C. Commons 70 Natalie Burton 79 M. Brown 77 Maggie White 73 A. Barger 55 Jenny Reinhart 81 A. Strauss 67 VS. STEPHEN F. AUSTIN 10/22/05 WESTERN HORSEMANSHIP Whitney Kimble 74.5 K. Krambeck 73.5 Katelen Ream 69.5 J. Melgares 73 Ashley Dickerson 72.5 M. Brindley 71.5 Kimberly Tidwell 75.5 H. Sowers 69 Ashley Milton 72 J. Martin 72 WESTERN REINING Whitney Kimble 75.5 L. Gaston 0 Katelen Ream 69.5 J. Melgares 71.5 Julie Gibbes 74.5 H. Sowers 69 Kimblery Tidwell 70 J. Martin 68.5 Ashley Griffith 72.5 M. Brinley 64.5 EQUITATION OVER FENCES Jenny Reinhart 75 L. Gaston 68 Jessica Braswell 70 A. Fincher 62 Erin McMahon 71 K. McInerny 58 Maggie White 77 A. Berry 72 Kelly Gottfried 73 R. Harrison 74 EQUITATION ON THE FLAT Cassie McEnroe 76 A. Fincher 74 Erin Gaddy 78 C. Brennan 51 Lauren Hulen 78 K. Rice 63 Jennifer Jordan 73 R. Harrison 74 Natalie Burton 80 P. Wiley DQ VS. SOUTH CAROLINA 11/5/05 WESTERN HORSEMANSHIP Ashley Dickerson 71 K. Biffle 70 Kimberly Tidwell 72 R. Sternoff 68 Katelen Ream 69 A. Bradley 73.5 Ashley Milton 68.5 L. Pipkin 68.5 Whitney Kimble 74 M. Grah 71.5 WESTERN REINING Katelen Ream 72 J. Diamond 70 Kimberly Tidwell 68.5 K. Biffle 69 Whitney Kimble 74.5 R. Sternoff 71 Julie Gibbes 71.5 L. Williams 67 Ashley Griffith 69.5 L. Pipkin 67.5 EQUITATION OVER FENCES Cassie McEnroe 75 K. Terebesi 78 Erin Gaddy 0 L. Pace 40 Natalie Burton 68 E. Hogate 72 Lauren Hulen 76 K. Campbell 80 Kelly Gottfried 77 T. Brothers 84 EQUITATION ON THE FLAT Maggie White 73 C. Johns 74 Cassie McEnroe 77 T. Brothers 80 Jenny Reinhart 78 K. Campbell 75 Erin Gaddy 72 S. Stevens 73 Natalie Burton 70 K. Terebesi 73 A U B U R N A L L -T I M E R E S U L T S AT GEORGIA 11/11/05 WESTERN HORSEMANSHP Kimberly Tidwell 67 S. Meier 72.5 Katelen Ream 69 D. Kennedy 63.5 Whitney Kimble 68.5 C. Veldman 71 Ashley Dickerson 68.5 K. Ellingson 75.5 Ashley Milton 67 A. Slocumb 68 WESTERN REINING Julie Gibbes 73 C. Veldman 71 Whitney Kimble 70.5 M. Darby 70.5 Katelen Ream 71.5 K. Stewart 71.5 Kimberly Tidwell 65.5 S. Meier 75 Ashley Griffith 72.5 T. Fowler 70 EQUITATION OVER FENCES Jessica Braswell 71 J. Campbell 80 Natalie Burton 82 K. Cowperthwait78 Lauren Hulen 82 C. Allsopp 67 Kelly Gottfried 81 L. Harper 74 Cassie McEnroe 68 M. Richardson67 EQUITATION ON THE FLAT Erin Gaddy 85 L. Fiorentino 84 Jenny Reinhart 87 B. Vaughn 89 Maggie White 82 M. Blair 95 Natalie Burton 83 A. Terry 82 Cassie McEnroe 88 R. Berkowitz 87 AT SOUTH CAROLINA 2/11/06 WESTERN HORSEMANSHIP Katelen Ream 62 M. Grah 55 Whitney Kimble 65 K. Biffle 65 Kimberly Tidwell 72 A. Bradley 73 Ashley Dickerson 58 C. Borton 64.5 Ashley Milton 63 R. Sternoff 64 WESTERN REINING Whitney Kimble 59 L. Pipkin 67.5 Kimberly Tidwell 67 K. Biffle 68 Katelen Ream 68 J. Diamond 65 Ashley Griffith 72 R. Sternoff 69 Julie Gibbes 62 L. Williams 75.5 EQUITATION OVER FENCES Maggie White 75 L. Pace 85 Lauren Hulen 82 C. Reese 81.5 Kelly Gottfried 84 T. Brothers 86 Jessica Braswell 81 K. Terebesi 80 Cassie McEnroe 65 K. Campbell 82.5 EQUITATION ON THE FLAT Lauren Hulen 85 T. Brothers 92 Cassie McEnroe 58 C. Johns 75 Maggie White 78 S. Lowe 89 Erin Gaddy 77 K. Terebesi 93 Jenny Reinhart 88 K. Campbell 82 VS. BAYLOR 2/25/06 WESTERN HORSEMANSHIP Katelen Ream 76 S. Thompson 74 Whitney Kimble 79 A. Brown 70 Ashley Dickerson 69 K. Crook 75 Ashley Milton 77 B. Burris 66 Kimberly Tidwell 78 N. McCoy 68 WESTERN REINING Kimberly Tidwell 72 N. McCoy 69.5 Whitney Kimble 74 A. Brown 76 Katelen Ream 65 A. Esco 59 Julie Gibbes 73 K. Kemp 72 Ashley Griffith 74.5 B. Burris 67.5 EQUITATION OVER FENCES Jessica Braswell 80 A. Esco 77 Jenny Reinhart 80 N. Brown 90 Maggie White 48 C. Wilson 67 Kelly Gottfried 84 S. White 54 EQUITATION ON THE FLAT Erin Gaddy 75 C. Carnell 65 Lauren Hulen 71 Cara Wilson 76 Coburn Park 59 N. Brown 67 Jenny Reinhart 71 J. Anthony 64 Cassie McEnroe 71 S. White 71 VS. GEORGIA 3/4/06 WESTERN HORSEMANSHP Ashley Dickerson 66 D. Kennedy 74 Whitney Kimble 73.5 C. Veldman 72.5 Ashley Milton 65 A. Slocumb 70 Katelen Ream 69 K. Ellingston 71 Kimberly Tidwell 71 S. Dunsmore 71 WESTERN REINING Julie Gibbes 72.5 K. Stewart 74.5 Ashley Griffith 74.5 T. Fowler 67.5 Katelen Ream 63.5 C. Veldman 75 Whitney Kimble 64 M. Darby 72 Kimberly Tidwell 0 S. Meier 73 EQUITATION OVER FENCES Kelly Gottfried 89 L. Fiorentino 84 Cassie McEnroe 65 L. Harper 87 Natalie Burton 0 R. Berkowitz 82 Jessica Braswell 67 B. Vaughn 60 Lauren Hulen 90 M. Richardson69 EQUITATION ON THE FLAT Jenny Reinhart 70 B. Vaughn 69 Cassie McEnroe 60 L. Fiorentino 81 Erin Gaddy 70 M. Richardson87 Maggie White 88 M. Blair 91 Natalie Burton 74 K. Bonau 74 VS. SOUTH DAKOTA STATE 3/18/06 WESTERN HORSEMANSHIP Ashley Milton 73.5 K. Likness 71.5 Katelen Ream 71.5 K. Hindrickson 73 Ashley Dickerson 70 A. Knobbe 71.5 Kimberly Tidwell 71.5 M. Seidel 68.5 Whitney Kimble 70.5 J. Blair 72 WESTERN REINING Katelen Ream 74 A. Knobbe 73 Ashley Griffith 73.5 B. Grohs 70 Kimberly Tidwell 73.5 K. Likness 70 Whitney Kimble 74.5 A. Taylor 72.5 Julie Gibbes 72.5 J. Blair 71.5 EQUITATION OVER FENCES Erin Gaddy 75 K. DeVries 70 Kelsey Horowitz 77 L. Hoff 45 Natalie Burton 83 K. Morris 35 Alex Goldstein 71 A. Carie 68 EQUITATION ON THE FLAT Erin McMahon 84 L. Assid 75 Jennifer Jordan 90 L. Hoff 68 Jessica Braswell 87 K. DeVries 81 Maggie White 89 L. Harr 59 Kelly Gottfried 90 A. Carie 76 Cassie McEnroe 79 K. Morris 78 AT VARSITY EQUESTRIAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP WESTERN-FIRST ROUND VS. BAYLOR W, 841.5-830 WESTERN-FIRST ROUND BYE VS. NEW MEXICO STATE W, 833-827.5 WESTERN-SECOND ROUND VS. GEORGIA W, 841.5-840 WESTERN-FIRST PLACE BRACKET VS. OKLAHOMA STATE L, 851-847 HUNT SEAT-FIRST ROUND VS. WEST TEXAS A&M W, 856-748 HUNT SEAT-FRIST ROUND BYE VS. OKLAHOMA STATE W, 810-778 HUNT SEAT-SECOND ROUND VS. GEORGIA W, 776-735 HUNT SEAT-FIRST PLACE BRAKET VS. SOUTH CAROLINA L, 9906-853 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions 31

A U B U R N C E N T E R The Auburn Equestrian Center, home of the 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions, is a part of the Department of Animals Sciences in the College of Agriculture. The facility is housed on the edge of campus across from Auburn s College of Veterinary Medicine on Wire Road making it easily accessible to Auburn student-athletes, faculty and staff. Housed on these 65 acres are 30 team horses along with two side-by-side arenas for the equestrian team practices and meets. This allows both the Western and Hunt Seat teams to ride simultaneously without interference. There are also two tack rooms for both Western and Hunt Seat teams along with a team locker room. AUBURN EQUESTRIAN LOOKS TO THE FUTURE Auburn University is now in the planning stages of a $4 million Center for Equine Education, Research and Performance which will be located in the same vicinity of the current Center. The site will be composed of 16 acres of pasture, classroom and research laboratories, performance arenas, barns and parking. This will be one of the most advance facilities in the country to promote equine science and equestrian competition. This Center will be unique in combining the College of Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine and the Athletics Department in one central location. The new facility will incorporate teaching, research and athletics for collaboration in the study and performance of equine. This facility will be the only one in the country to offer these three components together. 32 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions

E D U C A T I O N The new Equine Center will serve as a learning center for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in the animal science equine option and pursing a doctorate in veterinary medicine. It will offer the most technologically advanced equipment to enhance research, using the horses as the animal subject. One part of this new Center will consist of the Equine Research and Teaching Facility. This will be the primary instructional and research area. There will be a 100-seat auditorium that will also allow large animals to be used for instructional purposes. It will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology for video conferencing and distance learning. Also in the teaching facility will be two research labs with support areas, a large classroom as well as offices. C O M P E T I T I O N The Auburn equestrian team will be competing in an indoor arena with a 1,500 seat capacity. This new facility will be one of the country s finest collegiate performance arenas. The observation area will host VIP guests during competitions and special events. The outdoor arena will allow space for team practice as well as instruction. The equine industry is rapidly growing. With this new teaching, research and performance center, Auburn is well on the way of leading the nation in animal sciences, veterinary medicine and equine athletics. A U B U R N C E N T E R 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions 33

A U V E T E R I N A R Y S P O R T S M E D I C I N E P R O G R A M Dr. Robert L. Gillette Director Craig Angle Reasearch Associate Sherry Johnston Program Technician The Sports Medicine program was established in 1991, with faculty from throughout AU's College of Veterinary Medicine involved in studying injuries, diseases, nutritional factors and physiologic functions of dogs and horses involved in field sports and working endeavors. Veterinarians and scientists at Auburn University's Sports Medicine Program have formed a team to address health and performance of canine and equine athletes. Their work addresses conditions affecting a variety of sporting animals. The overall goals of the program relate to optimizing performance, minimizing the risk of injury or metabolic damage, and defining the best treatment and therapy protocols as they correlate to the special needs of these performance animals. We want to improve the health, wellbeing and functional longevity of the athletic and working animal and disseminate information on clinical and research findings to those involved with dogs and horses. Equine Performance Testing The Auburn University Veterinary Sports Medicine Program has explored new technologies to analyze performance in athletic and working horses. These technologies enable us to monitor horses while they are working in their environment, and with all the stimuli of that environment. This allows us to evaluate horses in a natural non-laboratory setting. For example, performance evaluations may include cardiac measurements, blood samples, velocity, distance traveled by the horse, and high speed motion analysis of the horse. Therefore, we can conduct a more accurate performance evaluation of the horse. Heart Rate, GPS, and Body Temperature Using the above mentioned technology, we have developed a way to sample heart rates and core temperature every two seconds while the horse is resting, anticipating work, working and recovering from work. We can also track a horse s speed and distance covered every 3.5 seconds using global positioning satellite technology. This allows us to gauge what type of physical work the horse is doing. We can then download that data to a laptop in the field and analyze it. This gives us a more in depth understanding of the metabolic status of the horse. Usually temperatures are sampled before and after exercise. With this method, it is hard to know at what point core temp starts to rise, level off and fall back down to normal limits. Also with this method it is hard to determine if temperature is affected by certain activities. With our new method of taking core temperatures, we can sample a temperature down to a thousandth of a degree fahrenheit every second. For example, our new system would be able to sample 2,700 individual temperature samples during a 45 minute workout. This would reveal at what point the temperature started to rise, when the temperature started to level off, and when the temperature started to fall during recovery. We feel this system gives us a more accurate representation of metabolic status of the horse. Motion Analysis The AUVSMP has the ability to use high speed video cameras to analyze almost any movement or component of movement that a horse executes during a sports skill. Movements can either be analyzed via slow motion analysis or movements can be analyzed by quantification of kinematic measurements. By using our Peak Motus 8.1 Software package we can quantify movement by calculating ranges of motion, limb and joint velocities and accelerations, and many other quantified measurements of motion. This allows us to assess body movement to help diagnose an injury, reveal a possible risk of injury, or help refine the movement of a sports skill. Epiglottis Function The AUVSMP is currently experimenting with a new wireless NANO video camera for evaluation of the equine nasopharnex during performance. The camera is approximately 5 mm in diameter, has four LED lights at the end, and is attached to a 30 inch long wire that runs to a small image receiving and transmission unit. The unit is capable of transmitting the video image up to 100 ft to a laptop or monitor. The laptop can record and store the video image. The video can then be further analyzed by a clinician using motion analysis software or slow motion analysis software. Dr. Robert Gillette and Greg Williams (Head Coach of the AU Equestrian Team) have started a research initiative for the advancement of equine sports medicine. Dr. Gillette and Coach Williams are heading up a research team that will study different issues in equine sports medicine. Areas of interest are biomechanics, exercise physiology, nutrition, athletic performance and general heard health. Currently the research team is compiling ideas, preparing pilot studies and searching for research funding. The goal of the research will be to study areas of equine sports medicine that have not been studied before and disseminate that information to the equine community for the betterment of the equine athletes. A second goal of the AUVSMP- Equestrian Team relationship will be to expose veterinary students to equine athletes. The AUVSMP Student Chapter will also be participating in certain research projects and general sports medicine management of the equine athletes. Lastly, the AUVSMP is going to provide biomechanical sports skill analysis for both the equine athletes and the riders. This technical analysis will aid the coaching staff in teaching, modifying and enhancing rider technique. 34 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions

C O L L E G E O F A G R I C U L T U R E Throughout its 134-year history, the College of equine sciences and athletic competition. Because of this Agriculture has helped advance Alabama s agricultural economy while improving the nutrition, health oped an equine option within the academic major of ani- linkage, the department of animal sciences has devel- and standard of living for all citizens. mal sciences and is accepting students in the fall of 2006. Along with the College of Engineering, it boasts The equine industry in Alabama and throughout the the longest standing college at Auburn. southeast is one of the largest growing animal industries. The College of Agriculture offers eight undergraduate majors with 23 options within its eight depart- be future leaders in this economically important indus- The program answers the challenge of training student to ments: Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, try. By a survey conducted of 879 Alabama households, Agricultural Communications, Agronomy and Soils, 4.9 percent reported owning or renting a horse. It is estimated that 89,000 households have equine with a total Animal Sciences, Biosystems Engineering, Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures, Horticulture and Poultry equine population in Alabama of 186,871. Science. The number of horses in Alabama and the southeast Auburn University has long been recognized as is expected to continue growth making the development having some of the best agriculture, fisheries and of the equine option in the department a timely endeavor. Their goal is to enable students to provide leadership poultry science programs in the South. The Old Rotation on campus is the oldest continuous agricultural experiment in the Southeast and third oldest in Auburn equestrian competition and equine academics in this industry in future years. The linkage between the the United States, dating from 1896. In 1988 it was provides a solid foundation as the university meets the added to the National Register of Historic Places. research and outreach mission as a land grant university. The Department of Animal Sciences of the College of Agriculture consist of large animal science program support, beef, swine, dairy and equine. Comer, was completed. It was described as a handsome In 1910, Comer Hall, named after Governor B.B. In 1997, the Equestrian team was established as a and commodious building. Comer Hall is still used today club sport within the department. When it became a as the main office of the College of Agriculture. varsity sport, it linked the academic department of Today, the college has the second largest scholarship animals sciences with the athletic department. The program, both in number of awards and monetary value partnership is like no other in the country. on Auburn s campus and has students from over 70 The relationship trains student-athletes in both nations. MISSION STATEMENT The College of Agriculture at Auburn University is dedicated to educating people and discovering knowledge that improves the lives of all Alabama citizens through our research, instruction, and outreach programs. 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions 35

36 A C A D E M I C S A U B U R N Auburn University is committed to maintaining the highest standard of academic excellence. Auburn's academic curriculum is recognized nationally and internationally by leading education publications for its services in preparing students for challenges of the future. Auburn student-athletes excel because of one of the top student support service programs in the country. Virgil Starks, Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Support Services (SASS) and Assistant to the Provost, oversees a staff of seven fulltime Academic Counselors, a Learning Specialist and two Eligibility Specialists. Charlotte G. Lowder Student Athlete Development Center The Charlotte G. Lowder Student Athlete Development Center, with 33,000 square feet of dedicated space to students and learning, gives Auburn University the physical infrastructure that allows the ability to implement and expand the array of programs designed to enhance the academic performance of Auburn student-athletes. Located adjacent to the Auburn Athletic Complex, the facility is centrally located for easy access for all Tiger athletic teams. The goals of the Charlotte G. Lowder Student Athlete Development Center are to create an opportunity for one-stop learning for all services including academic counseling, life skills and tutorial services; to utilize the technology available to support academic missions; and to create a showplace that honors achievements of student-athletes. In addition, programs are designed to develop leadership skills and a strong altruistic attitude, which are fundamental characteristics of the Auburn graduate. Within the walls of the center are the Academic Hall of Honor designed by Auburn student-athletes, two smart classrooms with new and innovative technology that hold 50 people per room, seven counselor offices as well as administrative support, the PAW (Promoting Academic Winners) office, Operation Follow-Through, the Student Athletic Advisory Committee office, 40 four-person tutorial rooms, a library resource area, a soft-study lounge, a 25- station computer classroom, the student Cantina for snacks and beverages and the tutor coordinator office. The construction of the Student Athlete Development Center was made possible by the generosity of Robert and Charlotte Lowder and from the Lowder Family Foundation. The Lowder Center and its staff were instrumental in helping the Auburn football program post an impressive multi-year academic progress rate of 981 in the 2004-05 Division I Academic Progress Rate (APR) report, which ranks in the 90th-100th percentile nationally. Student-Athlete Support Services The Tiger CHAMPS/Life Skills program focuses on five commitments that the NCAA has specified as necessary to a holistic approach to student development programming. Auburn University is committed to the growth and development of its student-athletes by promoting the following areas: Commitment to Academic Excellence Commitment to Athletic Excellence Commitment to Development Commitment to Service Commitment to Career Development The Tiger CHAMPS/Life Skills program at Auburn provides a series of services and workshops that are designed to enhance the total development of student-athletes. The Tiger CHAMPS/Life Skills program is committed to meeting the needs of student-athletes and providing interactive activities which promote and develop skills necessary to compete in the "game" of life. In order to accomplish this, the Student-Athlete Support Services (SASS) department has developed a comprehensive program which includes: Academic Counseling Tiger Tutor Program Specialized Services Study Table Program Life Skills Classes Promoting Academic Winners (P.A.W.) Academic Counseling All staff members participate in recruiting scholar studentathletes. Student-Athlete Support Services maintains a book depository. Student-Athlete Support Services assists in advising degree curriculum for student-athletes. Student-Athlete Support Services monitors progress towards obtaining a degree. Tiger Tutor Program This program is responsible for assigning tutors to studentathletes for one-on-one and group tutorial assistance. The Tiger Tutor Program provides Supplemental Advantage Instruction (SI). Specialized Services An Eligibility Specialist monitors NCAA Eligibility Standards. A Learning Specialist serves as the liaison to the Program for Students with Disabilities. Student-Athlete Support Services provides an academic monitoring program. Life Skills Program The Student-Athlete Support Services Life Skills program offers four classes: Life Skills for Student-Athletes is a freshman/transfer class which provides a variety of life skills components and opportunities for the first-year student in a university setting. This class offers various activities, discussions, guest speakers and community service opportunities. Career Awareness For Student-Athletes is a Freshman/Sophomore class where students learn to research their majors and professional career interest and develop resumes and portfolio resources. Career Success for Student-Athletes is a Junior/Senior class developed to explore careers based on their majors, skills and interest. Students also learn to aggressively market themselves through networking and other job search tactics. They are also actively engaged in enhancing their self-confidence by polishing their job search skills, interviewing and business etiquette. Athletes in Society is a course designed to help student-athletes with civic involvement and community service through service learning. Other life skills programs include: Career Seminars for Student-Athletes Tiger Tracks Resume Portfolio Career Symposium for Student-Athletes Drug/Alcohol Education Program Adopt a School Program (Stay in Bounds) The Life Skills program is uniquely structured so that each counselor has the responsibility of planning activities and/or seminars in a given area of expertise. The Life Skills coordinator directs the implementation of activities and spearheads the development of the Tiger CHAMPS/Life Skills Program. The Tiger CHAMPS/Life Skills program was recognized as a Program of Merit by the Division I-A Athletics Directors Association in 2003. 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions

Student-Athlete Support Services Mission Statement It is the mission of the Office of Student-Athlete Support Services of the Auburn University Athletic Department to promote, assist and provide counsel to all student-athletes, whether scholarship or walkon, in the areas of academics, eligibility, admissions, financial aid, career counseling and substance abuse. Its primary, constant goal is to develop graduates from Auburn University who have contributed in the arenas of athletic competition during their tenures of education, who are articulate, confident, poised, positive, cooperative and mature decision-makers and who are outstanding examples of Auburn University s commitment to the development of the whole individual. A C A D E M I C S The University Honors College The University Honors College at Auburn is part of a long tradition. Swarthmore College established the first honors program in this country in 1922, using as its model the Oxford tutorial system, in which small classes of students and faculty studied the Greek and Latin classics. Other models for honors programs and classes include the Socratic dialogues, the German seminars and the European guild system. Drawing on these traditions, the University Honors College offers qualified Auburn students a unique academic experience, designed to provide many of the advantages of a small college in the midst of the many diverse opportunities available at a large university. It is designed for students capable of academic excellence. The program selects 200 entering freshmen each year, who may be enrolled in any College or School of the University which has undergraduate programs or offerings. Students already enrolled at Auburn can also qualify for the Honors College. The Honors Office is located on the fourth floor of the Ralph B. Draughon Library, housing the offices for the director, assistant director and secretary. The Honors Residence Halls - Broun, Harper, Teague, and Little - are located in the upper quad. They provide a place for students to live, learn and relax together. Computers are available in the Honors Student Center in the basement of Broun Hall. Benefits of Membership Honors classes are taught in small sections and are designed to provide for in-depth dialogue and interaction between students and faculty. All honors sections are taught by professorial faculty. Entering freshmen are introduced to the University Honors College through the Summer Honors Orientation sessions, held in conjunction with Camp War Eagle, where introductions to faculty and fellow students are made and friendships begin. Living in the Honors Residence Halls and attending the Honors classes continues this interaction and provides an environment that encourages intellectual growth. The mentor program, organized by upper-class honors students, further assists new students as they adjust to university life. From their second semester in the program, Honors students are given priority at registration to ensure timely progress through the Honors curriculum. Participation in the Honors Lyceum offers Honors students a unique opportunity to focus on methods of dealing with issues of current importance or on cutting-edge research on campus. During their final semesters, Honors thesis students enjoy library carrel privileges. As an ongoing service, Honors students are provided assistance in identifying and applying for the Rhodes, Marshall, Goldwater, Truman and other prestigious scholarships. Participation in the Honors College exposes students to a wide range of intellectual and academic experience, gives students the opportunity to form lasting friendships with other students committed to academic excellence and promotes rewarding interactions with dedicated teachers. As a result of their special college experience, Honors students have a distinct advantage in future pursuits, whether they go on to graduate school, or directly into their chosen professions. Charlotte G. Lowder Student-Athlete Development Center 2006 Top Tigers Front row (l-r): Coach Booker, Jennifer Jordan, Erin McMahon, Kimberly Tidwell, Whitney Kimble, Jessica Braswell, Cassie McEnroe, Alex Goldstein Back row (l-r): Erin Gaddy, Katelen Ream, Coburn Park, Julie Gibbes, Anna Worden, Natalie Burton, Lauren Hulen, Coach Neubarth Student-Athlete Advisory Committee The primary function of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is to provide student-athletes with an official voice in the decision-making processes of the athletic department. Auburn's SAAC is comprised of two representatives from each athletic team. These two representatives serve as a liaison between the committee and their teams. Secondary functions of SAAC are the development of leadership skills and to promote citizenship through community service. The SAAC is involved in community service activities such as organizing canned food and clothing drives, visiting patients in area hospitals and nursing homes and hosting local elementary school children each year for National Student-Athlete Day. The Auburn University SAAC also plans and hosts an annual fall picnic and a spring social for all student-athletes in appreciation of their contributions to Auburn. 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions 37

S T R E N G T H A N D C O N D I T I O N I N G STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING The Auburn equestrian team benefits from the direction of one of the finest strength and conditioning staffs in the country. The James T. Tatum, Jr., Strength and Conditioning Center stands as a testament to Auburn's commitment to providing state-of-the-art training facilities for its student-athletes. The center, which opened in January 2002, encompasses more than 14,000 square feet and is triple the size of the previous facility. The first floor of the two-story center houses 20 power stations, which contain the majority of the equipment used by student-athletes during workouts and leads to effective and time-efficient training. Also, there are a variety of upper and lower body selectorized machines around the perimeter of the main floor. The second floor contains various machines, medicine balls, aerobic equipment and an open exercise area for additional overall strength and conditioning development of Auburn's studentathletes. Adjacent to the weight room is a 20-yard astroturf hill, set at 45 degrees, which is used for speed and endurance conditioning. The center also houses the strength and conditioning coaches' offices. The center is named for James T. Tatum, Jr., who served 16 years as a member of the Board of Trustees. Dr. Tatum believed strongly and devoutly in Cliff Hare's philosophy that "Athletics Makes Men Strong, Study Makes Men Wise and Character Makes Men Great." His support of Auburn's teams and programs throughout the years strongly illustrated that fact. The center was dedicated in his memory on April 6, 2002. Designed by The Butner and Associates Architectural Group, the facility was built by Bailey Harris Construction Corporation at a cost of $2.7 million. AUBURN TRAINING Auburn s Athletic Training Room provides expert health care for student-athletes. Auburn student-athletes have access to the latest in sports medicine equipment and rehabilitation equipment. The Auburn Athletic Training Room includes a newly renovated hydro-therapy area which contains a Swim Ex, a aquatic therapy system for rehabilitation and training of injuries. The area also houses a controlled filtered hot and cold tank. The water in the tank can be maintained at any temperature. Mike Roberts, the Director of Sports Medicine, oversees Auburn s training room facilities. He directs a staff of 19 certified athletic trainers, six of which work directly with football daily. Their experience and expertise contribute to keeping the Tigers healthy and protected during and after their seasons. These athletic trainers teach and work with eight student athletic trainers during the season and spring training. 38 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions

A D M I N I S T R A T I O N Dr. Ed Richardson President Jay Jacobs Athletics Director The Auburn University Board of Trustees unanimously voted on Sept. 1, 2006 to remove interim from Dr. Ed Richardson s title, making him the 17th president of Auburn University. He had served as interim president since Jan. 20, 2004. As State Superintendent of Education, Richardson had served on the Auburn University Board of Trustees from 1995 until his interim appointment. Upon accepting the position, his primary task was to convince the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to lift the probationary status placed upon Auburn University late in 2003. Clearing the university s name with regard to its accreditation status in December 2004 was the culmination of a year of difficult work. With the SACS accreditation problem behind him, Richardson began working on projects of lasting importance: positioning Auburn to attract a permanent president with outstanding qualifications. To that end, Richardson put before the AU Board of Trustees an aggressive agenda for 2005-2006. The agenda places major emphasis on the development of Auburn University s Research Park, improving its airport, effecting changes in the current structure of AU s agriculture programs, establishment of a closer working relationship with AU-Montgomery and formation of a process to conduct academic program reviews including post-tenure review and student assessment. The agenda also includes the formation of an Auburn University and University of Alabama team to work for better state funding. Prior to assuming the post at Auburn, Richardson had served as State Superintendent of Education since October, 1995. Before he became state superintendent, Richardson was superintendent of schools for the Auburn City Board of Education for 13 years. He spent eight years as a teacher, assistant principal and principal in the Montgomery County school system and served eight years as principal of Andalusia High School. Richardson has earned three degrees from Auburn University: a B.S. in science education in 1962, an M.Ed. in 1967, and an Ed.D. in 1972, both in educational administration. Richardson is married to Nell Campbell Richardson, a retired school teacher. Born in Selma, Auburn s first lady moved to Montgomery at age 16, and graduated from Sidney Lanier High School in 1961. Mrs. Richardson, who attended AUM, but earned a bachelor s degree from AU in 1983, taught English and French at several high schools. She also served as an adjunct instructor at Southern Union and Alex City Community College. Mrs. Richardson retired from Montgomery Public Schools in 2004 to join her husband in Auburn when he was named the university s interim president. Mrs. Richardson is now compiling a booklet featuring Auburn University s first ladies that lived in the current president s home. The Richardsons have two daughters, Merit and Laura, both graduates of Auburn. The Richardson family also includes three grandchildren: Seth (12), Molly (5), and the latest addition, Gunnar who was born April 3 of this year, along with two grand-dogs, Destin and Buckley. Auburn Athletics Director Jay Jacobs has a vision of leading Auburn Athletics to becoming the nation s preeminent Athletics Department. In his brief tenure at the helm of the Tigers program, Jacobs has set out on a path that has seen the department prosper athletically, academically and financially, making sound decisions that have benefited Auburn student-athletes, coaches and fans. Athletically, the Tigers have claimed five national championships under Jacobs, including a school-record four titles in 2005-06 along with six Southeastern Conference titles. Last year, the Auburn men s and women s swimming programs each won NCAA titles, the women s outdoor track and field team won its first-ever national championship and the equestrian team captured the national varsity equestrian crown. Individually in 2005-06, Auburn produced 54 All-Americans, 52 All-SEC performers, six NCAA individual and relay champions, 21 Southeastern Conference champions and five Tiger student-athletes were named SEC Athlete of the Year in their respective sport. Perhaps more impressive than Auburn s athletic achievements, are the successes by Tiger student-athletes in the classroom. The NCAA s Academic Progress Report (APR) that was released in February 2006, recognized three Auburn programs for scoring in the 90th-100th percentile nationally. The APR, which is a formula based upon student-athletes retention and eligibility, saw the Auburn football team post the highest score of any Division I public institution from a Bowl Championship Series conference. The men s cross country and men s golf programs posted perfect APR scores of 1,000 and joined the football program to receive public recognition by the NCAA. In 2005-06, five Auburn student-athletes were Academic All-Americans, 122 earned Academic All-SEC honors and cross country and track and field All-American Angela Homan won the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship and received the prestigious Auburn University Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. A total of 200 Auburn student-athletes earned grade point averages of 3.0 or better during the Fall 2005 semester and a record 185 student-athletes were honored at the annual Tiger Torch Banquet. Jacobs, who gained strong business expertise as the Senior Associate Athletic Director in charge of Tigers Unlimited prior to his appointment as Director of Athletics, has initiated several successful business ventures for the Athletics Department. In December 2005, Auburn signed a five-year contract with Under Armour Performance Apparel to be the official outfitter of the University s athletic teams. The five-year contract, worth over $10.6 million in sponsorship, product and additional benefits, provides Auburn's athletic teams Under Armour uniforms, cleats, apparel and accessories. Auburn also extended its multi-media rights contract with ISP Sports for an additional nine years following the end of the current agreement in 2007. The new terms include revenue to the Athletics Department of an average of more than $5.8 million annually more than double the previous contract of nearly $2.4 million per year. Under Jacobs leadership, Auburn has also moved forward with several facility projects designed to benefit Tiger athletic programs and their fans. The most recognizable update has been the Jordan-Hare Stadium Phase 1C renovation, set for completion in August 2006. The renovations include new concessions and expanded restroom facilities on the west and east concourses along with a spacious plaza on the west side of the stadium. In 2005-06, Auburn opened the new Rosen-Hutsell Track and a new wood floor surface was placed over the old tartan floor at Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum. Other projects set for ground-breaking in 2006-07 include a new tennis facility west of campus, an outdoor training pool located at the old Luther Young Tennis Com plex and a golf training center. For Jacobs, it was only fitting that he was named Auburn's 14th Director of Athletics on Dec. 22, 2004, after working in almost every area of the Auburn Athletic Department for the previous 20 years. Jacobs earned his undergraduate and master's degree in business administration from Auburn in 1985 and 1988, respectively. He is married to the former Angie Sapp of Dublin, Ga. The couple has three daughters, Haley, Meagan, and Jayne. 2006 Varsity Equestrian National 39

A D M I N I S T R A T I O N Meredith Jenkins Senior Associate AD/ Senior Woman Administor Dr. L. Wayne Greene Animal Science Department Head Meredith Jenkins was promoted to Senior Associate Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator in 2006-07 after serving as the Associate Athletic Director for Women s Sports in 2005-06. Jenkins serves as the administrator over women s basketball, volleyball, soccer, equestrian, men s and women s swimming and diving, softball and sports medicine. She was the Associate Athletic Director for Media Relations and served as the head football contact for six years from 1999-2005. For the first five years that she was at Auburn, she worked with a multitude of sports including baseball, women s basketball, track and field, volleyball and soccer. Jenkins was the media coordinator for the 1995 SEC Women s Tennis Championship, the 1997 SEC Track and Field Championship, the 1998 SEC Men s Tennis Championship and the 1998 Baseball Regional at Auburn. She also served at one point as a member of the SEC Media Coordination committee for football and basketball. Jenkins arrived at Auburn after four years as a graduate assistant and a student assistant in the Florida State University Sports Information Department where she assisted with publicity for football, volleyball, women s basketball, softball and men s and women s tennis. A native of Melbourne Beach, Fla., she was born on February 6, 1970. She graduated cum laude with a B.S. in Communication and an M.S. in Athletic Administration from Florida State University. She is married to Russ Jenkins and has one son, Robert Alexander Jenkins, 3. On Jan. 26, 2005, Dr. L. Wayne Greene was named as the new head of the Auburn University College of Agriculture s Department of Animal Sciences. Greene, who has 23 years of experience in the landgrant system, grew up in Cleveland County, N.C. After graduating from high school in 1969, Greene joined the U.S. Navy and served on board the USS El Paso until 1973. Greene received his bachelor s and master s degrees in animal science from North Carolina State University in 1977 and 1979, respectively. He earned the Ph.D. in ruminant nutrition from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1981. He joined the faculty at Texas A&M that same year as an assistant professor, working on the main A&M campus in College Station, Texas. He was promoted to associate professor in 1987 and to full professor in 1993. In 1997, he was named the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station s (TAES s) Beef Cattle Program leader at Amarillo and moved his research program to the Texas Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Amarillo. At that time, he also joined the faculty of West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, and became an adjunct professor at Texas Tech University. In 2003, he was honored with the title of Regents Faculty Fellow, one of the highest academic honors bestowed on Texas A&M University System faculty. Through the years he has been involved in all aspects of the land-grant mission as a teacher for both undergraduate and graduate classes, as a research scientist and as an Extension specialist. Most recently, Greene has been responsible for initiating and conducting basic and targeted research in beef cattle nutrition, with emphasis on mineral utilization and metabolism. His current research focuses in areas of mineral nutrition and livestock health, nutrient cycling in concentrated animal feeding operations and growth and development of livestock. Graduate student education through the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M and the Division of Agriculture at West Texas A&M University also has been a key priority for Greene. Throughout his career he has been heavily involved in teaching, and in recent years, he has focused on co-teaching graduate-level distance education classes for students throughout the Texas A&M system. In addition to his academic duties, Greene also has been active in leadership roles for a variety of professional societies, including the American Society of Animal Science, the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientist (ARPAS) and the Plains Nutrition Council. He currently serves as treasurer of ARPAS. 40 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions

A U B U R N U N I V E R S I T Y HISTORY Auburn University has a proud and dynamic 150-year history. The institution was chartered on Feb. 1, 1856, as the East Alabama Male College, a private liberal arts school established by Alabama Methodists to foster Christian education. A single four-story building was completed at a cost of $111,000 in 1859 with 80 students enrolled and a faculty of five. Five male students graduated in the first commencement held. When Alabama seceded from the Union, faculty and students resigned to enlist for the duration of the Civil War. Among those joining was William J. Samford, who would later become governor of Alabama. The college building, then named Old Main, was used as a Confederate hospital from 1864 until classes resumed in 1866. When fire destroyed Old Main in 1887, it was replaced on the same site in 1888 by Samford Hall, named after Gov. Samford. Today Samford Hall serves as the AU's administrative headquarters. The college struggled in the shattered Southern economy during the years after the Civil War. It was a ruined economy and those that pledged large sums to the college went bankrupt and could not meet their pledges. The Methodist Church granted the institution to the state in 1872 for use as a landgrant university under the Morrill Act, signed by President Lincoln in 1862. The institution then became the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama, changing from the private liberal arts school to a state-supported college with an emphasis on the new scientific and agricultural programs. Continuous expansion followed. In 1899, the Alabama Legislature decided a new name was needed to reflect the expanded role of the institution. The college's name was changed to the Alabama Polytechnic Institute. From the beginning, however, virtually everyone connected with the university ignored official names, preferring always the name selected for the town, founded in 1836, where the institution was located- Auburn. Elizabeth Harper, the daughter-in-law of the settlement's founder, was inspired by a line from Oliver Goldsmith's poem, "The Deserted Village," which reads, "Sweet Auburn, loveliest village of the plain." Would the history of this institution have been the same had it been named Geneva as once was proposed for naming the town? The story goes that straws were drawn for naming the town Geneva or Auburn. Auburn won out. As Charles C. Thach, the university's sixth president said, "The Alabama Polytechnic Institute, a high sounding phrase, is fit for legal document; and grave legislation, but not to conjure with and not to yell and not to dream with as is "Fair Auburn." The Legislature agreed, and in 1960 Alabama Polytechnic Institute became Auburn University. Women students were first admitted to Auburn in 1892, making Auburn the oldest four-year coeducational school in Alabama and the second oldest in the Southeast. Auburn's greatest growth and development came after World War II. From a campus of 35 buildings in 1946, the university's multi-million dollar physical complex has grown to approximately 375 buildings on 1,840 acres. The Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station conducts crop, animal and soil experimentation statewide, and Extension agents are stationed in all 67 Alabama counties. Main campus enrollment currently exceeds 23,000, with about 1,250 faculty. AUBURN TODAY Twelve schools and colleges advance the University's outstanding programs of teaching, research and service. The current colleges and schools and the dates of this original inception are: College of Agriculture, 1872; College of Architecture Design and Construction, 1907; College of Business, 1967; College of Education, 1915; Samuel Ginn College of 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions 41

A U B U R N U N I V E R S I T Y Engineering, 1872; School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, 1984; College of Human Sciences, 1916; College of Liberal Arts, 1986; School of Nursing, 1979; James Harrison School of Pharmacy, 1885; College of Sciences and Mathematics, 1986; College of Veterinary Medicine, 1907; Graduate School, 1872. In 1986, a university reorganization created the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Sciences and Mathematics from the former school of Arts and Sciences (1872), as well as portions of the School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences and the School of Architecture and Fine Arts (both subsequently renamed). AU's College of Engineering took a major leap forward in 2001 when an alumnus decided his alma mater should take the national lead in the teaching of wireless communication and related engineering research and teaching. Samuel L. Ginn, a pioneer in wireless communication, backed up his vision with a $25 million gift to the college and announced plans to spearhead an additional $150 million in support. ECONOMIC IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS A recent study determined AU had a nearly $4 billion economic impact on the state of Alabama. AU provides principal academic support for Alabama agricultural, construction and manufacturing industries. AU is the primary source of instruction and research for Alabama's emerging aerospace, automotive, microelectronics, and wireless technology industries. AU has partnered with the state to develop a hotel and conference center at Gulf State Park, which will offer hands-on education to students and attract tourism to Alabama. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Sponsored research at AU totals more than $71 million annually. Auburn devotes extensive research funding to seven Peaks of Excellence: cellular and molecular biosciences, detection and food safety, fisheries and aquaculture, forest sustainability, information technology, poultry products safety/quality and transportation. AU research has led to licensing and sponsorship agreements with more than 250 commercial firms in less than three years to transfer a variety of its research developments to the marketplace. AU is in the planning phase for a research park to attract significant technology business and industry to the area and enhance and support AU's research mission. AU is one of six universities selected by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide experts for a homeland security "think tank." INSTRUCTION/ACADEMICS HIGHLIGHTS U.S. News & World Report ranked two AU colleges in the top 100 in their fields nationwide. The Ginn College of Engineering was ranked 77th and the AU College of Education was ranked 82nd. The rankings were compiled as part of its America's Best Graduate Schools 2006. U.S. News & World Report - for the 12th consecutive year - ranked AU in the top 50 public universities in the nation. The November 2003 edition of Kiplinger's magazine ranked AU among its best values in U.S. public institutions, as did the 2004 Princeton Review. Kiplinger rated AU 26th in terms of in-state student value and 31st for out-of-state student value. AU is the only university in the country to offer a degree in wireless technology, and the first in the Southeast to offer degrees in software engineering. AU is known for its "rocket science": six NASA astronauts graduated from AU, and the current director and one past director of Kennedy Space Center are also AU alumni. AU's Ralph Brown Draughon Library has more than 2.7 million volumes, with 2.5 million volumes of microfilm. 42 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions

AUBURN NICKNAME EXPLANATION Auburn s nickname is the TIGERS. Auburn s battle cry is WAR EAGLE! Through the years, these two Auburn terms have often been used interchangeably and incorrectly. There are hats and T- shirts with Auburn War Eagles on them. Even the news media has been known to refer to an Auburn team as the War Eagles or to an Auburn player as a War Eagle. In fact, when the Tigers play a game on the road, there is often an article written in the local paper wondering why Auburn has three nicknames the Auburn Tigers, the Auburn War Eagles and the Auburn Plainsmen. To set the record straight, Auburn has only one nickname the Auburn Tigers. War Eagle is a battle cry, used by Auburn fans in the same manner Alabama fans yell Roll Tide! and Arkansas fans yell Sooie Pig! You never hear Alabama referred to as the Alabama Roll Tides or Arkansas as the Arkansas Sooie Pigs, and to call Auburn teams the Auburn War Eagles would be just as incorrect. The battle cry War Eagle should never have an s on the end of it. The nickname Tigers comes from a line in Oliver Goldsmith s poem, The Deserted Village, published in May 1770, where crouching tigers wait their hapless prey The term Plainsmen comes from a line in that same Goldsmith poem, Sweet Auburn, loveliest (sic) village of the plain Since Auburn athletes were, in the early days, men from the Plains, it was only natural for newspaper headline writers to shorten that to Plainsmen. It may be confusing to an outsider, but to Auburn people, it is very simple. That s why War Eagle VI, Auburn s golden eagle mascot, is named Tiger! A U B U R N L E G E N D According to legend, football and the cry of War Eagle came to Auburn the same day. It was February 20, 1892, the day Auburn and Georgia met in the first game of the longest continuous football rivalry in the Deep South. The story actually began before that. That first Auburn- Georgia game was only the culmination. It began in 1864 at the Battle of the Wilderness in Virginia. An Auburn student had gone off to fight with Robert E. Lee and the Confederate troops. He was with them on the worst day of the long and fierce battle. He was wounded, and when the armies retreated to their respective lines, he was left on the battlefield for dead. When he regained consciousness, there were only two living things as far as he could see, himself and a baby eagle. Brought together by their common bond of misery, the soldier took the wounded bird with him and nursed him back to health. When he returned to Auburn after the war, the eagle came with him. The student-turned-soldier came back to Auburn and ultimately became a member of the faculty. He was there that day in Atlanta s Piedmont Park when Auburn and Georgia met in what would now be called The Game of the Century. As usual, the eagle called War Eagle because of the circumstances under which he was found was there with him. When Auburn scored the first touchdown the old eagle broke free from its master and began to soar above the field. Auburn people looked skyward, saw the familiar figure, and shouted War Eagle. At the end of the game which Auburn won 10-0, the old eagle collapsed and died, presumably having given his all in pursuit of victory for Auburn. War Eagle s body may have died that day, but his spirit lives forever in the hearts of Auburn people who love to stand and shout War-r-r-r-r Eagle long into the night following an Auburn victory. The facts of this legend cannot be authenticated, but it makes a good story and is the one most used to describe how the War Eagle battle cry became associated with Auburn teams. Auburn teams are known as The Auburn Tigers, but the cry of Auburn faithful is ever the same: War-r-r-r-r Eagle! War Eagle V, which had represented Auburn for five seasons, died just days prior to the 1986 season-opener. Following a nationwide search for the perfect eagle, War Eagle VI was located at Land Between the Lakes, Ky. The female Golden Eagle underwent numerous tests and conditioning programs at the Auburn Vet School before making its debut at the Georgia game on Nov. 15, 1986 in Auburn. In January, Tiger was inducted into the Alabama Animal Hall of Fame. On November 11, 2006, Tiger retired after his final flight at Jordan-Hare Stadium prior to the Auburn vs. Georgia football game. During halftime, university officials presented sixyear-old golden eagle Nova as the next official Auburn eagle, War Eagle VII. Nova was born in captivity in the Montgomery, Ala., Zoo in 1999 and was transferred to Auburn when he was six months old. Nova has been making pre-game flights for three years. 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions 43

A U B I E A U B U R N Aubie, Auburn s costumed Tiger mascot, is in his 28th season as a spirit leader and goodwill ambassador for Auburn University. A popular character among Auburn fans and one of the more animated mascots in the country, Aubie has been on the job since 1979. Aubie s existence began as a cartoon character that first appeared on the Auburn/Hardin-Simmons football program cover on October 3, 1959. Birmingham Post-Herald artist Phil Neel created the cartoon Tiger who continued to adorn Auburn program covers for 18 years. Aubie s look changed through the years. In 1962, he began to stand upright and the next year, 1963, wore clothes for the first time--a blue tie and straw hat. Aubie s appearances on game programs proved to be somewhat of a good luck charm for Coach Ralph "Shug" Jordan s teams. The Tigers were victorious in the first nine games he graced the cover and in his first six years, Auburn posted a 23-2-1 home record. Auburn s home record during the 18 years Aubie served as Cover Tiger was 63-16-2. Aubie s last appearance on the game program cover was October 23, 1976, when Auburn downed Florida State, 31-19, but Aubie returned to Auburn s cover against Alabama on Nov. 30, 1991, Auburn s last home game at Legion Field. In 1979, Aubie came to life at the Southeastern Conference basketball tournament. James Lloyd, Auburn spirit director for the Student Government Association, with help from the Alumni Association, contacted Brooks-Van Horn Costumes in New York, N.Y. The company was provided with copies of the 1961 Auburn- Alabama and 1962 Auburn-Georgia Tech game programs to use for reference in creating a costume of the cartoon character. The firm, which also provided costumes for Walt Disney, designed and produced a Tiger costume for $1,350. Individual contributions from various Auburn clubs, alumni and friends helped pay for the first costume. Aubie proudly marched into the Birmingham-Jefferson County Civic Center on February 28, 1979, and helped lead first-year Auburn coach Sonny Smith s team to an upset of Vanderbilt. The following day, Aubie returned to the arena and the Tigers surprised Georgia in the longest game in SEC tournament history, four overtimes. Before the weekend was complete, Aubie helped lead the ninth-place team in the regular season to the semifinals of the tournament. Aubie began his Championship reign in 1991 when Michael Jernigan, Chris Wood and Rob Thompson brought Auburn and Aubie its first title. A few years afterward in 1994, Trey Humphreys, Mike Murphy, and Billy Stephens, received the National Championship on Aubie's behalf. The following year, Billy Stephens of Metarie, La., along with Mike Griffin and Josh Agerton, both of Auburn, claimed the title for the third time. J.G. Carver of Huntsville AL, Jeff Holoman of Dallas TX, and Justin Moore captured Auburn s fourth national championship in 1999. Aubie became a five-time national champion when Taylor Griswold, Jeremy Legg, and Trey Mock brought home the title again. Most recently, Aubie's sixth national championship was brought home by Evan Thomas, David Smith and Chris Delvizis in 2006. In 2006, Sports Illustrated named Aubie as one of the top- 10 mascots. 44 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions

C I T Y O F A U B U R N Auburn's beautiful main campus graced by greenery and open spaces and highlighted by historic Samford Park -- is made up of 375 buildings spread across 1,875 acres bordered on two sides by farms and woodlands. Buildings in the main campus area are within walking distance of each other. Residence halls are only a short walk from classrooms, dining and athletic facilities. Auburn is located in the Southeastern United States in eastcentral Alabama about 30 miles from the Georgia border. One of the state's fastest growing cities, Auburn has a population of about 45,000. An adjacent twin-city, Opelika, has a population of about 30,000. Atlanta, Ga. is only 100 miles to the northeast via Interstate 85; Birmingham is 100 miles to the north via U.S. 280 or I-85/65; Montgomery is 50 miles to the west via I-85; and the Gulf beaches are about 200 miles away. The university enjoys the advantages of security, seclusion and clean air and water. Auburn is a clean city with a mild climate that offers many cultural opportunities.auburn, Alabama was founded in 1836 by Judge John J. Harper of Harris County, Georgia. Envisioned as a religious, educational and cultural center, Auburn was incorporated as a town on Feb. 2, 1839. By 1856, Auburn University was chartered as the East Alabama Male College and has since become a thriving addition to the city. With each year, the loveliest village of the plains continues to grow and improve. With a population of 45,000 and growing, Auburn offers a wide variety of entertaining events, cultural activities and educational opportunities including recreational events, sports, the Colonial Mall Auburn-Opelika, more than 100 restaurants, two bed and breakfasts, four campgrounds and 1,550 hotel rooms in the area. Geographically, the city of Auburn and Auburn University meet at what is known as Toomers Corner. Here the flourishing community and expanding university create a warm, friendly spirit that can only be described as Auburn. The bond between the city and university is exemplified along the streets of downtown Auburn where tribute is paid to Auburn University s greatest athletes, coaches and administrators. Known as Tiger Trail of Auburn, this walk of fame consists of 38 granite plaques bearing the names of those honored along the Trail. Each year new plaques are added, as more Auburn women and men are recognized for their contributions to Auburn. The Tiger Trail is sponsored by the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and funded by Auburn people. This tradition represents a connection between the city of Auburn and Auburn University that will remain forever. Truly, the city of Auburn is unique to the state of Alabama. Once the Auburn Spirit gets in your blood, you will never want to leave. Come to visit and stay a lifetime. Some of the activities Auburn offers include: Chewacla State Park, a 696-acre park with a 26-acre lake, offers rustic cabins, tennis courts, nature trails and camping facilities. Kiesel Park, willed to the city by Dr. George Kiesel, this property has been developed as a nature park. A two and one-half mile walking and jogging trail winds in and around gurgling streams, over rolling, tree covered hills and through a wildflower meadow. Golf In an area known for big time sports and small town charm, a golfer s dream awaits. The Auburn area offers more than 162 holes of great golf: Auburn University Club, Auburn Links at Mill Creek; Grand National; Indian Pines Golf Complex; Moore s Mill Country Club, Pin Oaks Golf Club; Saugahatchee Country Club and the Driver s Club, a lighted driving range. 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions 45

G R E A T S A U B U R N Auburn faculty and alumni are world-class achievers in practically every arena. Here are just a few examples: Vincent "Bo" Jackson, a two-sport professional star who won the Heisman Trophy in 1985, received his Bachelor of Sciences degree in family and child development from Auburn in 1992. Rowdy Gaines ('82) is a three-time Olympic gold medalist, world record holder and television sports commentator. Auburn has graduated six astronauts: Henry "Hank" Hartsfield ('54), T.K. Mattingly ('58), Kathryn Thornton ('70), Jan Davis ('77), Jim Voss ('72), and the late Clifton Williams ('54). Auburn Women s Basketball Player (1986-89) Ruthie Bolton was a standout for the Tigers, but found her real fame post-auburn as she became a two-time Olympian and star in the WNBA. Auburn Baseball Player (1987-89) Frank Thomas has been the face of the Chicago White Sox for 16 seasons. Auburn Baseball Player (1996-97) Tim Hudson earned notoriety as a standout pitcher for the Oakland A's. Hudson is now showcasing his talents close to home with the Atlanta Braves. Auburn Basketball Player (1981-84) Charles Barkley was listed on the NBA's 50 Greatest Players roster and is now providing NBA fans with his colorful commentary on the NBA on TNT. Fob James ('57), as an Auburn student-athlete, earned all- America honors as a running back for the Tigers. In addition to an extremely successful career in industry, including founding DP Industries, he was twice elected Governor of Alabama. Timothy D. Cook ('82), senior vice president of worldwide operations for Apple Computer, Inc., of Cupertino, Calif., is responsible for leading Apple's global operations organization. Don Logan ('66) is President and CEO of Time, Inc. Carl Mundy ('57) retired after serving as Commandant of the Marine Corps. More than 100 AU graduates have served as admirals or generals in the U.S. Armed Forces. Jim Stewart ('69) CBS News Justice Correspondent in Washington, D.C. Nels Madsen; engineering professor who won an Academy Award for Technical Achievement for his work on motioncapture technology for computer character animation involving mapping human motion onto the motion of a computer character. He gained recognition when Peter Jackson selected his software for use in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Jan Davis Ruthie Bolton Bo Jackson Rowdy Gaines Tim Hudson Charles Barkley 46 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions

F A C I L I T I E S Auburn Soccer Complex The Auburn Soccer Complex holds 1,500 fans and played host to the 2001, 2002 and 2003 SEC Western Division Champions and 2002 overall SEC title holders. Auburn hosted the SEC Soccer Tournament in 1995 and 2004 and also hosted the NCAA Tournament in 2004. The Tigers owned a 23-game home streak without a loss from 2001-2004. Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum In its' 39th year of existence, Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum has seen its share of great basketball. The women have hosted the NCAA Midwest Regional three times (1983, 85 and 86) and the Mideast Regional six times (1987, 88, 89, 90, 91 and 93). Such names as Charles Barkley and Ruthie Bolton have rung throughout the coliseum and eight jerseys have been retired in those 33 years. Barkley, John Mengelt, Chuck and Wesley Person, Rex Frederick, Bolton, Carolyn Jones and Vickie Orr all have jerseys hanging in the rafters. Grand National The Auburn men's and women's golf teams have been blessed with outstanding facilities including the courses at Grand National, which is a part of the world-renowned Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Grand National has played host to the 2004 NCAA Women's Golf Championships and the 2000 Men s Golf Championships, the NCAA Regional Championships for men (1994) and women (1996). James E. Martin Aquatics Center The James E. Martin Aquatics Center is not only one of the premier swimming and diving facilities in the country, it also happens to house the seven-time men's and women's NCAA Swimming and Diving Champions. Jane B. Moore Field/Auburn Softball Complex The Auburn softball complex, which seats 1,400, opened in 1998 and offers a concession area, and a high tech press box with two luxury boxes. An indoor batting cage with three hitting tunnels is also an impressive addition to the field. In 2005, the Tigers hosted the NCAA Regionals and will host the 2007 SEC Tournament. Jordan-Hare Stadium Auburn's football stadium is the eighth-largest on-campus stadium in the country. With new additions for the 2004 season, the stadium now holds 87,451. Plainsman Park Hitchcock Field at Samford Stadium at Plainsman Park is one of the most envied facilities in the country. Prior to the 2003 season, Plainsman Park was voted the best collegiate baseball facility in the country by Baseball America. With new seating additions in 2003, the stadium now seats 4,096. In 2002, Plainsman Park had the privilege of hosting President George W. Bush. Approximately 14,000 people gathered on October 24, 2002, to listen to President Bush speak. Auburn has hosted three NCAA Baseball Regionals in 1978, 1999 and 2003. McWhorter Center The McWhorter Center is home to the Auburn gymnastics team and also houses the softball coaches' offices, which overlook the Auburn Softball Complex. This state-of-the-art practice facility was built in 2001 and includes a training room and a team lounge with computers and a large screen television. 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions 47

A U B U R N T R A D I T I O N War Eagle (Fight Song) The Alma Mater War Eagle, fly down the field, Ever to conquer, never to yield War Eagle fearless and true. Fight on, you orange and blue. Go! Go! Go! On to vic try, strike up the band, Give em hell, give em hell. Stand up and yell, Hey! War Eagle, win for Auburn, Power of Dixie Land! The Auburn Creed I believe that this is a practical world and that I can count only on what I earn. Therefore, I believe in work, hard work. I believe in education, which gives me the knowledge to work wisely and trains my mind and my hands to work skillfully. I believe in honesty and truthfulness, without which I cannot win the respect and confidence of my fellow men. I believe in a sound mind, in a sound body and a spirit that is not afraid, and in clean sports that develop these qualities. I believe in obedience to law because it protects the rights of all. I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all. I believe in my Country, because it is a land of freedom and because it is my own home, and that I can best serve that country by doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God. And because Auburn men and women believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and love it. George Petrie Auburn s First Football Coach On the rolling plains of Dixie Neath its sun-kissed sky, Proudly stands, our Alma Mater Banners high. To thy name we ll sing thy praise, From hearts that love so true, And pledge to thee our Loyalty and ages through. We hail thee, Auburn, and we vow To work for thy just fame, And hold in memory as we do now Thy cherished name. Hear thy student voices swelling, Echoes strong and clear, Adding laurels to thy fame Enshrined so dear. From thy hallowed halls we ll part, And bid thee sad adieu; Thy sacred trust we ll bear with us The ages through. We hail thee, Auburn, and we vow To work for thy just fame, And hold in memory as we do now Thy cherished name. Composed by Bill Wood, 1942 Word revision, 1960 48 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions

J U D G I N G WHAT THE JUDGES ARE LOOKING FOR Varsity Equestrian tests five riders from each team in one-on-one competitions. Five horses are selected for each event and five riders represent their respective teams. Each team selects one of the five horses in a draw before the competition. They are able to watch the horse warm up and then they receive four minutes to practice on their selected mount before competing. In each event there are individual maneuvers that are score separately and then added up at the end of the ride for the rider s total score. The lowest score is dropped and the remaining four are then added for the team s competition total. In NCAA competition, the level of difficulty is demonstrated by the accuracy of the pattern and how the competition uses the horse that they draw to the best of its ability. IN HUNT SEAT OVER FENCES - The judges evaluate the rider s position, consistency of course, smoothness, flow form jump to jump, the number of strides (steps taken by the horse) in a line and the rider s plan to complete the jumps. Scoring for the event is out of 100 with 100 being a perfect score. IN HUNT SEAT EQUITATION - The riders have to perform a flat teast on their horses in a 40 x 20 meter arena. The test consists of nine movements to be judged on accuracy, smoothness and overall position of the rider. Each movement receives a score from 1-10. A tenth score judges the position and seat of the rider and the correctness and effect of their aids. The score is out of a 100 with 100 being a perfect score. IN WESTERN HORSEMANSHIP - This event is designed to evaluate the-- rider s ability to execute, in concert with her horse, a prescribed set of maneuvers with precision and smoothness whilte maintaining a balanced, functional and fundamentally correct body position. The ideal horsemanship pattern is extremely precise with the rider and horse working in complete union, executing each maneuver with subtel aids and cues. Exhibitors are scored for each sequence of maneuvers with a -1.5 to + 1.5 score for each maneuver with a base score beginning at 70. IN WESTERN REINING - This is a class based on set patterns and and precise scoring system. Within these patterns the horse and riders athletic ability are tested in a series of maneubers including spins, stops, flying lead changes and circles with changes in size and speed. In intercollegiate competition, the rider must perform one of the set National Reining Horse Association (NHRA) patterns. There are a total of eight parts to a reining test with each individual maneuver judged from - 1.5 to + 1.5 with base score beginning at 70. 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions 49

A B O U T In 1998, equestrian was classified as an NCAA emerging sport. In order to attain the goal of full NCAA championship status and hold a NCAA Equestrian Championship, there must be 40 Division I/II schools that sponser equestrian as a varsity program. Currently 23 colleges and universities offer equestrian as a varsity sport. Schools compete in hear to head format, where each team is required to ride the same horse and judges scores are compared across horses. The host school provides the horses and tack at each competition. KEY TERMS AIDS Signals or cues by which the rider communicates her wishes to the horse. The natural aids inclue the voice, legs, hands and weight. Artifical aids include the whip and spurs. CANTER Three beated gait of the horse in which one hind leg strides first (the leading leg), followed by the opposite diagonal pair and finally the opposite foreleg. COMBINATION A series of jumps set within a stride or two of each other. DIAGONALS Movements that test to coordination of the ridesr posting and up-down motion with teh diagonal movement of the horse s legs while trotting. EQUITATION In riding competitions, this indicate that riders are being judges on their ability to control the horse while maintaining the correct riding position. Riders have the addes challenge of riding an unfamiliar horse which they draw in a lottery system just prior to their class. EQUITATION OVER FENCES An individual performance where each rider shows a horse over 8-10 jumps of varying heights. GAITS The different paces at which the horse travels are the walk, trot, canter, gallop, and varying speeds of each. HUNT SEAT The category in which English riders compete either over a series of jumps or in a general equitation class. ON THE FLAT A term referring to riding or training performed over ground without obstacles. REINING In these classes, the most advanced Western riders perform an individual, pre-assigned pattern from memory, demonstrating a variety of stops, turns and figures at various speeds. The emphasis is on precision and technical application of the rider s ability to handle unfamilar horses. ROLL BACK A turn performed in equitation over fences class to show control of the horse and rider's ability to maintain a position throughout a turn. A tight turn performed between two fences. In Western reining, a rollback is a 180 degree pivot with speed after a halt. SLIDING STOP A stop in which the horse balances on the back feet while continuing to move the front feet. TACK Riding equipment. Short for tackle. 50 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Champions