Auburn Names Natalie Bretz as New Director of Operations for Equestrian Program, Citing Leadership, Organization and Industry Insight
Auburn University has officially named Natalie Bretz as the new Director of Operations for its storied equestrian program, marking another important step in maintaining the Tigers’ reputation as a perennial powerhouse in collegiate equestrian. The announcement, made by head coach Jessica Braswell, was met with enthusiasm from within the Auburn community and the broader collegiate equestrian world. Bretz brings with her an impressive résumé and a background rich in horse sports management, operational oversight, and a deep appreciation for the culture that defines Auburn’s success.
Bretz’s hire signals a continued emphasis on building from within and surrounding Auburn’s riders with seasoned professionals who understand the complex demands of managing an elite NCAA equestrian team. As Director of Operations, her role will involve overseeing the logistical and administrative functions that keep the program running smoothly, from managing schedules and coordinating travel to liaising with university departments and external partners. It’s a position that requires not only strong organizational skills but also an intimate understanding of the sport, its athletes, and the unique challenges that arise over the course of a competitive season.
Natalie Bretz is no stranger to these challenges. Prior to her appointment at Auburn, she spent time in roles that demanded excellence in both operational planning and athlete support. Her experience includes work at various levels of collegiate athletics as well as time spent with equine organizations that shaped her understanding of program logistics. At every stop, she developed a reputation for clear communication, creative problem-solving, and the kind of meticulous attention to detail that’s necessary when coordinating dozens of moving pieces throughout a competition year.
In announcing the hire, Coach Braswell expressed confidence in Bretz’s ability to elevate Auburn’s equestrian operations to new heights. “Natalie is a tremendous addition to our program,” said Braswell. “She has a strong track record of managing logistics at a high level, and she shares our passion for excellence and the student-athlete experience. Her vision and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to compete for championships.”
Auburn’s equestrian team has long been a fixture in the national championship conversation, and adding someone of Bretz’s caliber behind the scenes strengthens the infrastructure that supports the athletes’ success. While the riders are the ones making the headlines in the ring, their performance depends heavily on the work of professionals like Bretz, who manage everything from scheduling practices to ensuring compliance with NCAA regulations. Her role will also involve working closely with the coaching staff to provide strategic insights and support during the preparation for major meets, both home and away.
For Bretz, the move to Auburn is more than just a career step—it’s a return to a competitive and passionate environment that aligns with her own values and goals. “I’m honored to join a program with such a rich tradition of success and community,” Bretz said in a statement. “Auburn equestrian represents the best of what college athletics can be, and I’m excited to contribute in any way I can to our shared vision.”
The path to this point in Bretz’s career has been paved by years of hard work and an unrelenting commitment to both people and performance. A former collegiate equestrian athlete herself, Bretz understands the time demands and emotional investment student-athletes commit to their sport. This personal connection to the equestrian world gives her an added layer of empathy and insight that will serve her well in supporting Auburn’s riders through their daily routines and long-term goals. She knows what it’s like to balance academic expectations with athletic ones, and she brings that perspective into every aspect of her work.
One of the most significant responsibilities Bretz will undertake involves team travel, which is often one of the most complex aspects of NCAA equestrian competition. Unlike many other college sports, equestrian meets require the transportation not only of athletes and staff but also horses and specialized equipment. Coordinating these trips demands careful timing, detailed logistics planning, and a contingency-ready mindset—something that Bretz has shown a natural aptitude for in her previous positions. From arranging accommodations to making sure horses are safe and healthy upon arrival, Bretz will now be the point person making sure every detail is accounted for.
Beyond logistics, she is also expected to play a major role in team culture and the daily rhythm of the program. Directors of Operations often become the behind-the-scenes glue that holds a team together—organizing meals, handling paperwork, and facilitating communications between departments. While these tasks may go unnoticed to the casual fan, their impact is enormous. Bretz’s approachable personality, coupled with her results-driven work ethic, has already begun to leave a positive impression on those who’ve interacted with her during the transition.
Her hire also reflects Auburn’s broader commitment to empowering women in leadership roles within athletics. As collegiate equestrian continues to grow and gain national attention, the programs leading the way are those that recognize the importance of investing in experienced, thoughtful leadership at every level. Bretz brings both the energy of a rising star and the perspective of someone who’s already spent years learning the demands of the job. It’s a blend that should mesh perfectly with Auburn’s existing infrastructure.
As for the athletes, the buzz around Bretz’s arrival has been equally positive. Current team members have expressed appreciation for her proactive communication and her clear dedication to their well-being and competitive success. In a sport where time management and mental clarity can make all the difference in performance, having a director of operations who listens, understands, and acts decisively can be a game-changer. Many on the team have noted that Bretz is already showing an ability to make things easier for them—reducing distractions and streamlining the flow of information in a way that lets them focus on what matters most: riding their best.
Auburn equestrian has become known not just for its championships, but also for its atmosphere of camaraderie and professionalism. That environment didn’t happen by accident—it’s been carefully cultivated by coaches, staff, and administrators who share a commitment to excellence. By bringing in Natalie Bretz, the program reinforces that culture and sends a message that every role, from head coach to behind-the-scenes coordinator, is crucial to success.
Bretz’s onboarding also comes at a pivotal time for collegiate equestrian. As the NCAA and other governing bodies continue to assess the structure and long-term future of the sport, programs like Auburn serve as examples of how to do things the right way—building sustainable, athlete-focused programs that compete at a high level while also maintaining strong academic and ethical standards. Bretz’s presence should only enhance Auburn’s ability to stay at the forefront of those conversations.
Looking forward, Bretz will be tasked with implementing her vision for operational excellence, one that emphasizes teamwork, flexibility, and continuous improvement. Whether it’s managing game-day logistics, enhancing athlete support services, or refining team travel systems, she is already mapping out ways to add value. It’s a role that will grow with time, and all signs point to Bretz being more than up to the challenge.
In a sport defined by precision, timing, and preparation, it makes perfect sense that Auburn has brought in someone whose strengths align so directly with those demands. Natalie Bretz may not be riding into the arena herself, but her influence will be felt in every detail of the Tigers’ pursuit of success. From practice schedules to travel logistics to the morale of the team, she will be there—quietly but powerfully helping drive Auburn equestrian toward its next chapter. And for a program already rich with tradition, that’s a powerful addition indeed.
