University of Georgia Athletics
2011-12 Equestrian Season Preview
October 03, 2011 | Equestrian
Oct. 3, 2011
ATHENS, Ga. - The 2011-12 equestrian season begins Saturday as the Georgia Bulldogs head to College Station, Texas to take on Texas A&M. Head Coach Meghan Boenig sat down to discuss the upcoming season, the history of Georgia Equestrian and the competitiveness of Varsity Equestrian.
Georgiadogs.com (GD): What are the team goals for the 2011-12 season?
Meghan Boenig (MB): "We set out four goals at the beginning of every season. The first one is an academic goal. As a team, we are striving for a 3.25-combined GPA. Our second goal is an athletic one. It is to earn the 2012 National Title as well as reclaim the SEC title. Our third goal is to give back to the community over 400 hours. That has been a goal that we have met every year. Last, the team is choosing to work together and be really appreciative of all of the privileges that they have as a member of the equestrian team."
GD: How will the addition of Lisa Anderson benefit the equestrian program, specifically the Hunt Seat riders?
MB: "It's so exciting to have the coaching staff that we have here. Our new assistant coach Lisa Anderson will work primarily with the Hunt Seat riders. She's been able to bring a fresh perspective to the rest of the staff and really invigorated everyone. I've found that when you bring someone in from industry, they tend to see things a little differently. That challenges us to look at rides and the level at which we are competing. It's a welcomed challenge. I believe that the contributions that she will have to equitation over fences are unlimited."
GD: What type of impact has Mary Meneely had on the program?
MB: "Mary is entering her second season with us and has already shown her value by taking the Western riders up to a third-place finish last year. The recruiting class that she brought in in her first year is so talented and ready to work. It shows her personality and determination and I think that bodes well for the future."
GD: How do you build on the success that Georgia has had?
MB: "Once you set the standard, no one wants to go backward. That goes for our competitors too, here in the SEC and across the country. Every team is continuing to get stronger. The thing about success is that it continues to breed success. We can use our past success as a recruiting tool because it shows the drive and dedication that the University of Georgia has for the equestrian program. However, it can put the pressure on you to stay at the top. You have to learn how to handle being a moving target.
By the standards of most programs, we had an extremely successful season last year, finishing second and third at nationals. With the success that we have had over the years, the bar is set a little higher at Georgia. We needed to push a little more because what we had done in the past wasn't quite good enough to take home the title again. That shows the growth and competitiveness that Varsity Equestrian teams have."
GD: What has this senior class brought to the program?
MB: "The senior class includes two of our captains in Michelle Morris and Katelyn Van Allen, who have been leaders for several years on this team, now culminating in their captainship. They have seen this team transition from a group of girls to a group that focuses on the goals as a team. They have given this program some consistency in both disciplines. The seniors have been a part of championship teams and know what winning feels like. They also know what it feels like to come so close last year and they have no less desire to bring home another title. They know what it takes to win."
GD: How important is it to have the depth that you do on this team?
MB: "We have great depth on this team. If you look at who has travelled to Nationals the past few years, there is always an underclassman in that group. We have riders like Carly Anthony who have been instrumental in Individual National Championships, All-Americans. I look for her to continue that leadership. Ali Sullivan, our junior captain, who has wonderful character, drive and determination. We are very fortunate to have the depth that we do. I look for strong leadership to be a part of this team for years to come because of how important the underclassmen are to this program."
GD: How big of an impact will the newcomers have this year?
MB: "We have some phenomenal freshmen, transfers and walk-ons this year. They have tremendous success in their industry standard competitions and their experience in front of judges will be a huge asset in their confidence. Their willingness and desire to be the best at this format is something that has impressed me the most. They are asking questions, asking for extra work and pushing themselves beyond what is asked of them. That has translated to every single rider getting better and pushing herself to be the best. I am really excited about these riders who are coming in with a wealth of knowledge and still are willing and excited to learn more from the returning riders and the coaching staff."
GD: How important is it to have such strong competition among SEC schools?
MB: "The SEC is the dominant force in Varsity equestrian. No school outside of the SEC has ever won the national championship and I don't foresee that changing. That being said, you're really only as good as the team that you defeat. Travelling to all of these other schools is a learning experience. As important as it is to do well, it is really more important that you learn a lesson each time. I would rather be challenged by a team and have a loss than go somewhere and win straight through."
GD: How important is it to have a strong schedule in the regular season?
MB: "Strength of schedule is extremely important. It will help us in the rankings, where we are seeded for nationals. With all of that said, it's where you finish that is the most important part of the season. A team can be undefeated through the regular season but not put it all together and lose in the championship."
GD: What are some of the strengths of the Hunt Seat riders?
MB: "We have lot of returning riders this year. Our Hunt Seat riders will have a lot of experience in competing at a national level and how to handle the pressure that comes with that. With the depth that we have, I think we will be battling it out with another school for the Hunt Seat Championship this year and I am excited about that opportunity."
GD: What are some of the strengths of the Western riders?
MB: "We graduated some talented riders in the Western division. We had some holes to fill, but I think Coach Mary was able to address those needs in the recruiting class that she brought in. It also gives some of the younger riders that have been here for a year or two to compete at the highest level. I think they are going to be really ready to fill the shoes that we needed to fill. They might not have much Varsity Equestrian experience, but I don't think that will hold them back in achieving the goals that they have set for themselves."
GD: What kind of impact has the equestrian facility had on the success of the program?
MB: "We have been at this facility for about three years. I knew it would be a good thing, but I didn't know how much of a good thing it would be. It has affected us in ways that we didn't know that it would. It has allowed the coaches to have more time in the ring and less time traveling. It gives the girls some more opportunities in their riding. Our horses are 100 times healthier and happier because we have so much more space for them. We are in the process of more development, creating permanent offices and locker rooms and things of that nature. We are very excited about the future at this facility."
GD: What can fans expect at a Georgia equestrian competition?
MB: "This is a sport that fans can get right up close to the action. Our promotions staff has really helped created a family atmosphere at our events with things like pictures with a horse, paint the pony, stick building races. It really is an incredible experience for the whole family. These riders do something incredible each time they go out in the ring."
