EQUESTRIAN: Previewing the Bulldogs 2017-2018 Season

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EQUESTRIAN: Previewing the Bulldogs 2017-2018 Season

University of Georgia Equestrian Team portraits at the UGA Equestrian Complex on Saturday, Aug. 19 in Bishop, Ga.  (Photo by Steffenie Burns / Georgia Sports Communication)
University of Georgia Equestrian Team portraits at the UGA Equestrian Complex on Saturday, Aug. 19 in Bishop, Ga.
(Photo by Steffenie Burns / Georgia Sports Communication)

 
 
The Georgia equestrian team looks to continue its legacy of being one of the best programs in the country in the 2017-18 campaign. After finishing the regular season with a 9-4 record, the team was crowned SEC Champions, NCEA Reserve National Champions, and hit 150 wins in program history. This year’s roster includes several All-American and All-SEC selections, as well as a freshman class with impressive resumes, adding depth to the Georgia lineup.

 
“I am so impressed with the talent and the work ethic shown in order to build off of last season,” head coach Meghan Boenig said. “This group of individuals and the leadership within it knows the pace to set and have already set it. We are excited about the good things to come.”
 
 
In what promises to be another exciting season for the Bulldogs, Georgia will face the three other teams that advanced to the semifinal round of the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) National Championship at the conclusion of last season.
The schedule includes 13 regular-season competitions, including six against Southeastern Conference teams. The 2018 SEC Championship will be held March 30-31 in Blythewood, South Carolina. The season will conclude April 18-21 at the NCEA Championship in Waco, Texas.
 
 
Hunt Seat
 
Though Georgia lost its most decorated Bulldog with the graduation of Meg O’Mara along with standout Liza Finsness, the Hunt Seat squad returns several familiar faces to the ring. SEC Freshman of the Year for both Equitation on the Flat and Equitation Over Fences, Sydney Hutchins returns for both Hunt Seat events. Senior Addy Cord and Maddy Newman return to the Flat lineup, while senior Meghan Flanagan and junior Emma Mandarino return for Fences. Sophomore Maddy Darst also returns for the Bulldogs and received the highest score amongst returners for Equitation Over Fences.
 
 
Western
 
Two All-Americans return to the arena, including Junior Graysen Stroud, who was a second-team selection for Reining, and Bailey Anderson, a second-team selection for Horsemanship.
 
 
Georgia returns two starters on the Reining squad with senior Kyndall Harper and Stroud leading the way. Annabeth Payne made her starting lineup debut last season against Delaware State, edging her opponent 66.5-66 to earn her first point for Georgia.
 
 
The full Horsemanship squad, who rode to a 9-5-3 record last season, will return for the Bulldogs. The group combined for 42 points and eight MOP honors.
 
 
 
 

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