Auburn Equestrian Primed for Another Title Run at the 2025 NCEA National Championships
Auburn equestrian has once again proven why it stands as one of the nation’s premier programs, riding into the 2025 NCEA National Championships with power, poise, and purpose. Under the leadership of head coach Greg Williams, who has built a dynasty in Auburn over two decades, the Tigers are laser-focused on bringing another national title back to the Plains. With a roster full of experienced seniors, rising stars, and undeniable chemistry, Auburn looks like a team that’s not just prepared—but destined—for a championship run.
The 2024-25 campaign has been a showcase of consistency and resilience. Auburn entered the postseason ranked among the top programs in the nation, boasting statement victories over several ranked opponents. The Tigers have ridden with a level of precision and polish that reflects their deep preparation, technical execution, and mental toughness. As they prepare for the NCEA Championships at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, the team knows the road won’t be easy—but they wouldn’t want it any other way.
One of the pillars of this year’s Auburn team is its veteran leadership. Seniors like McKayla Langmeier and Ellie Ferrigno have anchored the team with elite-level performances in both Hunt Seat and Jumping Seat. Langmeier, a consistent scorer in Equitation on the Flat and Equitation over Fences, brings international experience and nerves of steel to every arena. Ferrigno’s presence on the Flat and over Fences has added both artistry and authority to the Tigers’ lineup. These seasoned riders not only execute when the pressure’s high—they elevate the entire team with their example.
It’s not just about experience, though. Auburn’s underclassmen have stepped up in big ways this season. Freshman phenom Taylor Mason has quickly made a name for herself in Reining, bringing grit and determination with every ride. Sophomore Hannah Black has become a steady force in Horsemanship, showing maturity beyond her years. The blend of veteran leadership and young talent is the hallmark of Auburn’s roster—there’s a balance that keeps the team grounded and dangerous.
Coach Greg Williams has long preached the importance of culture, and this team embodies it fully. The Tigers aren’t just a collection of top-level athletes—they’re a family. Whether they’re training in the Auburn University Equestrian Center, traveling together to away meets, or supporting each other in tough moments, there’s a unity that runs deeper than wins and losses. Williams has emphasized how this connection becomes a competitive advantage, especially in postseason formats where pressure and nerves can overwhelm even the most talented teams.
That connection will be vital as Auburn enters a loaded NCEA Championship bracket. Programs like SMU, Oklahoma State, TCU, and Texas A&M bring loaded rosters and postseason pedigrees of their own. The competition is fierce, and the margin for error is slim. But Auburn thrives in high-stakes settings. Their strength lies not only in individual brilliance but also in their ability to ride for each other. Each point won in an NCEA format is earned through focus, execution, and trust—qualities the Tigers have sharpened all season long.
Another critical factor in Auburn’s readiness is their preparation. The coaching staff has developed a reputation for meticulous attention to detail, and this season has been no different. From scouting opposing riders to managing horses’ wellness and optimizing lineups based on matchups, Auburn’s approach leaves no stone unturned. Their success is no accident—it’s the result of relentless planning, adaptability, and a competitive mindset that’s been instilled from day one.
The Tigers have faced adversity this year, and how they’ve responded speaks volumes. Injuries, travel challenges, and close losses have all tested Auburn’s resilience. But rather than buckle, they’ve regrouped and refocused. A tough loss to Georgia midway through the season served as a turning point. Instead of letting it linger, Auburn used it as motivation. The team responded with a string of dominant wins and tightened up areas where they fell short. That ability to learn and grow midseason is a key reason why they now enter the national championships on an upswing.
Horse management also remains a vital piece of the puzzle. Auburn boasts one of the best strings in collegiate equestrian, with horses that are not only athletically gifted but also consistently trained for high-stress competition. Credit goes to the entire support staff—veterinarians, barn managers, and assistants—who ensure the horses are in peak condition. It’s a partnership between horse and rider, and Auburn riders know how to bring out the best in their equine teammates.
Equestrian may not always grab headlines like football or basketball, but make no mistake: this is one of the most competitive and demanding sports in the NCAA landscape. It requires athleticism, precision, mental toughness, and above all, synergy between human and horse. Auburn has mastered that formula, and it’s what makes them such a consistent force on the national stage.
Looking ahead to Ocala, Auburn’s mindset is clear: trust the training, ride for one another, and leave everything in the arena. The national championship isn’t just a goal—it’s a standard. Auburn enters each season with expectations of excellence, and that mentality drives them through every practice, meet, and postseason run.
There’s a quiet confidence about this team. They’ve been here before. They’ve lifted trophies, celebrated titles, and endured the sting of coming up short. That full spectrum of experience gives them an edge. They know what it takes to win on the sport’s biggest stage, and they’re ready to bring that knowledge—and hunger—into every matchup at the 2025 NCEA National Championships.
Off the arena floor, Auburn’s equestrian program continues to grow in visibility and fan support. Home meets draw loyal crowds, and the team’s social media presence has helped connect with fans, recruits, and young riders who dream of donning the navy and orange. It’s a testament to how Auburn has built not just a team, but a brand—one synonymous with class, competitiveness, and consistency.
As the Tigers prepare to mount up in Ocala, the stakes couldn’t be higher, but neither could the level of belief. Auburn isn’t just hoping to win—they expect to. That confidence isn’t arrogance; it’s earned. Through years of building, battling, and believing, the Tigers have created something special.
Whether they hoist the national championship trophy or not, one thing is certain: Auburn will leave everything in the arena. They’ll ride with passion, with purpose, and with pride. And if history is any indicator, that formula just might deliver another title to the Plains.
The 2025 NCEA National Championships are set to feature some of the best collegiate riders in the country. But for Auburn, it’s more than a competition—it’s a culmination. A season’s worth of hard work, a team’s bond, and a program’s legacy are all on the line. And there may be no team better equipped to handle that weight than the Auburn Tigers.
