University of Georgia Athletics
From the USA Flag to the Georgia “G”, Downey is Poised for Competition
October 11, 2023 | Equestrian
By: Carter Brown
Jumping seat freshman Tessa Downey is just getting her collegiate riding career started for the University of Georgia equestrian team, she hopes to continue the trail of success she experienced before arriving on campus.
The Houston, Texas, native has been riding horses competitively since she was nine. Downey has had a ribboned career, winning the 2023 Gladstone Equitation Cup, had podium finishes at the 2022 ASPCA Maclay Finals and won Zone 7 Team Gold and Individual Silver at the 2022 Prix des States.
Downey has also represented the United States on international stages, as she was selected to the US Junior Team for FEI Jumping Nations Cup Youth Finals in Opglabbeek, Belgium this fall.
"I've been working towards both academic goals and goals within the equestrian ring, but representing Team USA has definitely been a goal of mine, and something that I've been working towards primarily for the last two years," Downey said.
Originally on the five-rider roster for Team USA as an alternate, Downey was called up when another member of the team was unable to compete.
The four combination U.S. lineup began competition with the Nations Cup First Round before being one of six teams to qualify for the Nations Cup Final.
"They have this thing called the Parade of Champions, and you're in the ring with all the jumps, but you're on foot and all the different competing countries are there which is really cool," Downey said when describing her favorite part of the experience. "It was really fun getting to carry the U.S. flag with all our gear on".
Riding in the third rotation, Downey and 2009 Dutch Warmblood mare Isabelle finished with two rails, pushing the team to a three-round total of 12 faults. Team U.S. stepped onto the podium and received the bronze medal in the Final.
"It was a once in a lifetime experience because I was able to represent my country overseas with teammates that I've known for pretty much my entire life," Downey said. "Getting to experience that environment with some of the industry's top professionals is something that I'm forever grateful for."
When preparing to travel and represent Team U.S., Downey noted that mental preparation was a big part of the prelude to competing. Team USA hosted a clinic for mental health preparation, and Downey expressed how the team was able to work with professionals to prepare for the Finals.
"They had one of their mental health coaches come and speak to us, and she has worked with some of the industry's top professionals, including olympians," Downey said. "She gave us a lot of mental exercises that we could work with, knowing that we would eventually be in the situation we were preparing for. Being able to take advantage of those mental exercises was really useful."
Downey looks forward to making her Georgia equestrian debut this season and using her experience of competing on international stages to aid in her success as a Bulldog.
"I think it's all about how you handle pressure," Downey said. "I choose to go in with the attitude where I know I have the skills to be successful in this arena at school, so how can I best apply the knowledge and skills that my new coaches and Coach (Anna) Becker have taught me, to this?"
Jumping seat freshman Tessa Downey is just getting her collegiate riding career started for the University of Georgia equestrian team, she hopes to continue the trail of success she experienced before arriving on campus.
The Houston, Texas, native has been riding horses competitively since she was nine. Downey has had a ribboned career, winning the 2023 Gladstone Equitation Cup, had podium finishes at the 2022 ASPCA Maclay Finals and won Zone 7 Team Gold and Individual Silver at the 2022 Prix des States.
Downey has also represented the United States on international stages, as she was selected to the US Junior Team for FEI Jumping Nations Cup Youth Finals in Opglabbeek, Belgium this fall.
"I've been working towards both academic goals and goals within the equestrian ring, but representing Team USA has definitely been a goal of mine, and something that I've been working towards primarily for the last two years," Downey said.
Originally on the five-rider roster for Team USA as an alternate, Downey was called up when another member of the team was unable to compete.
The four combination U.S. lineup began competition with the Nations Cup First Round before being one of six teams to qualify for the Nations Cup Final.
"They have this thing called the Parade of Champions, and you're in the ring with all the jumps, but you're on foot and all the different competing countries are there which is really cool," Downey said when describing her favorite part of the experience. "It was really fun getting to carry the U.S. flag with all our gear on".
Riding in the third rotation, Downey and 2009 Dutch Warmblood mare Isabelle finished with two rails, pushing the team to a three-round total of 12 faults. Team U.S. stepped onto the podium and received the bronze medal in the Final.
"It was a once in a lifetime experience because I was able to represent my country overseas with teammates that I've known for pretty much my entire life," Downey said. "Getting to experience that environment with some of the industry's top professionals is something that I'm forever grateful for."
When preparing to travel and represent Team U.S., Downey noted that mental preparation was a big part of the prelude to competing. Team USA hosted a clinic for mental health preparation, and Downey expressed how the team was able to work with professionals to prepare for the Finals.
"They had one of their mental health coaches come and speak to us, and she has worked with some of the industry's top professionals, including olympians," Downey said. "She gave us a lot of mental exercises that we could work with, knowing that we would eventually be in the situation we were preparing for. Being able to take advantage of those mental exercises was really useful."
Downey looks forward to making her Georgia equestrian debut this season and using her experience of competing on international stages to aid in her success as a Bulldog.
"I think it's all about how you handle pressure," Downey said. "I choose to go in with the attitude where I know I have the skills to be successful in this arena at school, so how can I best apply the knowledge and skills that my new coaches and Coach (Anna) Becker have taught me, to this?"
Players Mentioned
Jumping Seat
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Friday, March 27
Monday, March 02
Saturday, February 28