2014 SEC Championship Blog With Chelsea Zillner

Day 1

Hello, my name is Chelsea Zillner. I’m a senior western rider on the Auburn equestrian team. During my career at Auburn, I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of an SEC and two national championship teams. Even after all this time and all these meets, the SEC Championship brings a new kind of excitement each spring. It’s an excitement I’d like to let all of you readers in on. Welcome to the 2014 SEC Championship!

When most people hear those three little letters “S-E-C,” it’s easy to think football, football, and yes a little more football. Sure, we all enjoy Saturdays in the south and the bitter rivalries these historic institutions have to offer, but the SEC now offers more than just a powerhouse for football. The Southeastern Conference officially recognized equestrian as its 21st sport in the summer of 2012 and the four teams representing the conference have not disappointed.

Auburn, Georgia and Texas A&M all arrived at host school South Carolina on Thursday. Stalls were set up, horses were bathed and competition nerves start to set in. I have to admit, going to these types of competitions is always a treat; top-notch competition and a chance to see old friends from the circuit. After the draws are posted, those old friendships are set aside for the sake of competition. Top seeded South Carolina will take on No. 4 Texas A&M and No. 2 Georgia will battle No. 3 Auburn, winners will advance to the championship round. The teams all retreat to their hotels. Friday will be a long day and it wouldn’t be a horse show without an early wake-up call.

Day 2 (Friday)

In my four years on the team, I don’t think there have ever been sunny skies on competition days at the SEC Championship. This year was no different. Dark grey skies greeted the teams and competition preparations began. English and western rings would run simultaneously, ensuring constant action.

The day kicked off with reining and equitation on the flat. There was plenty of excitement in the reining pen. Auburn’s Katsy Leeman experienced an equipment malfunction when her right stirrup broke. Incredibly, or not so incredibly for those who know Katsy, what might have been a problem for some turned out to be a great time for the junior. Leeman finished the ride and won her point. Even after all the excitement, Georgia led the Tigers 3-2 at the end of reining. The Aggies of Texas A&M made things interesting early on by beating the Gamecocks 4-1 in the reining.

Down in the lower arena, the equitation on the flat was gearing up. There were high scores and there were low scores, but there was no shortage on entertainment. Teams battles in and out of the arenas. Whether riding or cheering, there was never a dull moment. Auburn topped Georgia 3-2 and South Carolina won big, 4-1. I’m not sure anyone could ask for a better outcome midway through the semifinal round. Each meet was tied at five a piece; there was very little room for mistakes.

Auburn and Georgia battled in the horsemanship. Georgia’s veteran horsemanship squad proved to be too much for the Tigers. The bulldog’s Sara Parr led the way, scoring a 150.5, beating Auburn 4-1. All-American Johnna Letchworth led the Gamecocks with a 151.5 and helped her team capture a 4-1 victory over the Aggies. Auburn and A&M’s English squads fought hard in the over fences and made it interesting scoring early points. With every point, you could feel the energy shift from team to team. In the end, South Carolina took down the Aggies 4-1 over fences and Georgia just nearly edged out Auburn 3-2.

Congratulations to the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Georgia Bulldogs for advancing to the championship round Saturday morning. The top two teams in not only the SEC, but also the country will battle for an SEC title and seeding at nationals.

Click on the link below to view an event recap. Congratulations to South Carolina and OSU Cowgirls!

SC Equestrian Wins 2014 SEC Championship, OSU Wins Big 12 Championship