University of Georgia Athletics
Equestrian Signs 13 Riders on National Signing Day
November 13, 2024 | Equestrian
ATHENS – University of Georgia head equestrian coach Meghan Boenig has announced that 13 riders have signed to continue their riding careers and education at UGA beginning in the 2025-26 school year.
The signees include: Hallie Blair of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Gabriella Curry of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Kingsley Dey of Kailua, Hawaii, Lilly Geitner of Aiken, South Carolina, Abbie Gordon of Statesville, North Carolina, Ava Hathaway of Bronson, Michigan, Cassie Mercier of Franklin, Georgia, Aviana Nemeth of Mason, Ohio, Gigi Philips of Charlotte, North Carolina, Emma Popp of Jasper, Indiana, Katharine Reuter of Mill Valley, California, Avery Taylor of Statesboro, Georgia and Helena Timpany of Monroe, Connecticut.
"What an exciting day as we welcome thirteen extraordinary ladies to the Mane Dawgs," Boenig said. "In this recruiting class we have a wealth of experience, passion and talent. They combine a gift in the sport with a deep commitment to Georgia both in the arena and in the classroom. When recruiting, we also searched for future teammates that embodied the Georgia Way. This group exemplifies endless support for their team, a commitment to doing things right and the pursuit of a great education. Georgia equestrian is in great hands."
Hallie Blair | Western | Albuquerque, New Mexico
Hallie Blair signs to Georgia with a decorated resume. She joins the Bulldogs as the 2024 AZRHA Best of the West Circuit Champion Youth 14-18. This year, she has been crowned the NRHA Southwest Affiliate Regional Champion 14-18 and the Southwest Team Tournament Champion. She was a Top 10 Finisher in the NRHA Rookie Level 2 and the NRHA Youth Challenge at The Run for A Million in 2024. Blair also received recognition at the NRHA Cactus Reining Classic and was the Rookie Level 1 Champion and Rookie Level 2 Reserve Champion at the Arizona AQHA Sun Circuit. At the 2024 Southern Arizona AQHA Saguaro Classic, she was crowned Youth 14-18 Circuit Champion.
"Hallie comes to Georgia with a wealth of experience in the reining arena on the big stage," Associate head coach for Western McKenzie Lantz said. "She rides with very decorated professionals who have helped prepare her for what comes ahead. Hallie is a great showman that has an attention-grabbing style that will prove well in the college setting. She has gotten to show various horses in her career which will help to lay a foundation in her collegiate riding. Paired with her riding, she has a bubbly personality that lights up everyone around her and has already turned into a Georgia girl through and through! She is a tremendous student that will continue to add value to our teams already high academic standards. We are looking forward to having Hallie's energy and talent here in Athens."
Gabriella Curry | Jumping Seat | Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Gabriella Curry signs to be a Bulldog after finishing Top 20 at the ASPCA Maclay Finals in 2024, as well as making it to the Individual Final at Prix de States in 2024. She was the winner of the High Junior Jumper Classic and Champion during Tryon Summer Series 2024 and was named Champion during WEC Ocala Summer Series 2024. She finished with a silver medal in the Pre-Junior Team event, as well as finishing sixth individually at NAYC in 2023. In 2022, Curry was awarded Low Junior Jumper Horse of the Year and was WEF Circuit Champion in the Low Juniors. She was the Reserve Circuit Champion at the 2021 WEF in Children's Jumpers.
"Gabi comes to us with a very strong background in the jumpers, as well as some great success in the Equitation ring," Jumping Seat assistant coach Anna Becker said. "Recently, she had an outstanding showing at Maclay Finals, ending up in the top 20. Not only is she an incredibly strong student and talented rider, but she is also such a nice and kind person. She makes friends easily and seems to have a relationship with everyone in the horse show world. This will be a huge asset for our team and the community that we have built here. The daughter of two former collegiate student-athletes, Gabi will fit right into the rigor of what it takes to be a D1 athlete at Georgia. We can't wait to see what she brings to our team next fall."
Kingsley Dey | Jumping Seat | Kailua, Hawaii
Kingsley Dey signs after being crowned the 2023 Capital Challenge Age Group Equitation Champion. In 2022, she won the WIHS Jumper phase at the Devon Horse Show and the Capital Challenge Age Group Equitation Flat class. She was the 2021 and 2020 WEF Circuit Champion in the Age Group Equitation and has been a multi-time APSCA Maclay and USEF Medal National Final qualifier.
"Kingsley comes to Georgia with a very strong athletic background and resume," Becker said. "Originally from Hawaii, she moved to the continental United States at eight years old and has been riding ever since. Kingsley has had some top finishes at major events year after year and has been a stellar student in the classroom as well. Kingsley is an incredibly thoughtful and highly intelligent young lady. Any conversation that I have had with her, she has been nothing but poised and confident — which is exactly how she competes in the arena. We look forward to seeing her succeed here at Georgia."
Lilly Geitner | Jumping Seat | Aiken, South Carolina
Lilly Geitner becomes a Bulldog after a successful 2024, winning the Aiken Charity High Classic, becoming a Junior Team Gold Medalist at NAYC and being named the Reserve Champion in Older Small Juniors at PA National Horse Show. She also earned the Style of Riding Award at WEC Ocala. Geitner has collected multiple wins in National Derbies. In 2023, she was the WEC Ocala Medium Junior/Amateur Jumper Night Class Winner and the Hollow Brook Junior Sportsmanship Award Winner at PA National Horse Show. She also won the first Grand Prix she competed in during her career.
"I am uncertain if there is anyone more excited about becoming a Dawg than Lilly," Becker said. "She has been ready for this moment since last fall. Lilly comes to UGA with a very well decorated background in the Equestrian ranks. Her parents are well-respected professionals in the industry, and they have taught her a great deal. Lilly has grown up catch riding so many different horses and ponies in her career and has found great success at it in all three rings. This experience will be perfect for college riding, and she will be well prepared for what is to come in her years on the team. Not only is Lilly a talented rider, but her academic accomplishments and her bubbly personality will fit right in with our team here. We can't wait to see what she accomplishes here at Georgia."
Abbie Gordon | Jumping Seat | Statesville, North Carolina
Abbie Gordon signs with UGA after winning NAYC team bronze at both NAYC and the U25 Team Event at WEF. She was a finalist at the WIHS Equitation Finals and USEF Talent Search Finals in 2024. She finished 12th at the ASPCA Maclay Finals in 2024 and mase the Top 25 at USEF Medal Finals in 2023. Gordon was the National Horse Show grand champion and classic winner of high Junior/Amateur Jumpers in 2023. She was the champion and classic winner of the 2022 Pennsylvania National Horse Show Low Junior/Amateur Jumpers and had top placings at the Devon Horse Show in the equitation in 2022-2024. Gordon was also the winner of the Taylor Harris Equitation Finals in 2021.
"Abbie comes to Georgia as not only a standout student and standout rider, but also as a passionate individual about team mindset and comradery," Becker said. "Abbie has already been outspoken about support of her future teammates and brings excitement to those around her with her passion for Georgia and athletics. Abbie has had a ton of success at the top level of the sport in the hunters, jumpers and equitation – including placing 12th at this year's Maclay Finals. We know that all her decorated success will set her up well for college riding. We look forward to all that Abbie brings to our team and know that her passion and energy will help us greatly."
Ava Hathaway | Western | Bronson, Michigan
Ava Hathaway signs to be a Bulldog after being crowned the 2024 Quarter Horse Congress All Around Champion 15-18 and Champion 15-18 Hunt seat Equitation. She was named the 2024 AQHYA All Around L3 14-18 Champion and L2 AQHYA World Champion in 14-18 Trail and Western Riding. Hathaway was also the 2024 L3 Reserve World champion in the Western riding and Bronze World Champion in the Trial. She was the 2023 Quarter Horse Congress Reserve All Around in the Youth 15-18, Quarter Horse Congress Champion 15-18 in the Showmanship and NSBA World Champion in the L1 Youth Western Riding. Hathaway joins the Bulldogs with multiple Top 5s, 10s and Finalist honors at the Majors in all events and has multiple High Points, Circuit Awards and wins at AQHA Shows on her resume.
"Ava comes to Georgia as an incredibly decorated horsemanship rider," Lantz said. "Recently, she was awarded the All-Around award at both the AQHYA World Show and the All-American Quarter Horse Congress. Her talent in the arena speaks for itself, and we know she will be an incredible asset to our team. She hails from one of the best training programs in the country who has produced several successful collegiate riders including many who have ridden at UGA. Not only is Ava a tremendous rider, she is a standout cross country runner, setting many school records and earning several all-state titles. Her diligence to perfecting her skills paired with her kindness and welcoming personality are going to be a tremendous fit for the team that we have built. Her dedication to everything she does will continuing to be a stellar student is exactly what Georgia looks for. We can't wait to have Ava here with us in Bulldog country next fall."
Cassandra Mercier | Western | Franklin, Georgia
Cassandra Mercier signs to Georgia as the Reserve Champion of the 2024 KRHA Clayton Reining Classic Youth Derby and the Level 2 Rookie SE Affiliate Region Champion. In 2023, she was Top 6 at the All Star Reining Non Pro Futurity and was the 2023 All Star Reining Youth 14-18 Reserve Champion. Mercier was the Rookie Level 1 and Level 2 Reserve Champion at the 2022 APHA World Show and was crowned the TNRHA Spinning in the Rein Youth 14-18 Champion. In 2022, she was a qualifier for the Run for a Million Rookie Level 2 and was a Top 10 at the APHA Worth Show Youth 18 and under.
"Cassie is another Georgia native who has spent her entire life at horse shows," Breuker said. "As a horse trainer's daughter, Cassie understands the work that goes into all the behind the scenes and preparation for competition. She is an avid competitor that has spent many of hours on any horse that was available for her. Her background and experience in the reining arena is going to prove her well on our college horses. She holds herself to a high standard academically, and I know she will continue to be an academic weapon here in Athens. She is poised and mature, and we are incredibly excited to welcome her family back to Athens as her dad served as the volunteer coach several seasons ago while Cassie could be found watching through the fences at a young age."
Aviana Nemeth | Western | Mason, Ohio
Aviana Nemeth signs to UGA as the Reserve Circuit Champion in the L2 14-18 Horsemanship and placing first in the 14-18 Equitation at The Madness in 2024. She was the 2022 L1 World Champion in the 14-18 Horsemanship. Nemeth has multiple Top 10s at the AQHYA World Show and The All American Quarter Horse Congress in the Horsemanship and placed 10th at the All American Quarter Horse Congress in the 12-14 Horsemanship in 2022. She was nationally ranked 10th in the L2 Horsemanship in 2022.
"Aviana comes to Georgia as a decorated horsemanship rider who has seen much success in various arenas of the all-around events," Lantz said. "She rides with very accomplished professionals who continue to prepare her for riding in college. I am not sure you will meet a kinder person who has such a genuine appreciation for anything ahead of her. She has worked hard to perfect her skills and continues to be everyone else biggest supporter. She is successful academically, works incredibly hard and is friends with everyone. Her contagious personality was evident immediately on her visit and we knew that she would be the perfect fit for our team. We are looking forward to finally welcoming Aviana to Georgia and the Bulldog family."
Gigi Phillips | Jumping Seat | Charlotte, North Carolina
Gigi Phillips signs as the recipient of the Hollowbrook sportsmanship award at the PA National Horse Show in 2024. She was the winner of the handy class in the Large 16-17 Junior Hunters at Junior Hunter Finals. Phillips was Reserve Champion in the Large 16-17 Junior Hunters at the Devon Horse Show in 2024 and was named best Junior Rider at Derby Finals. In 2023, she won Reserve Champion at WIHS in the Large 16-17 Junior hunters.
"Gigi comes to Georgia with a wealth of experience as a horsewoman, a student and a rider," Becker said. "She is a working student for her trainer that has a ton of wonderful horse knowledge, and that stood out to us immediately when she came to one of our clinics in the past. She has won at the top shows at the most elite level and is always complimentary of the horses that she partnered with each time. Gigi is also an incredible student and is graduating early with a stellar GPA. We look forward to the knowledge, experience and work ethic that Gigi will bring to our team next fall."
Emma Popp | Western | Jasper, Indiana
Emma Popp signs with UGA after recently being named the Congress Champion in the Level 1 Youth 14-18 Hunt Seat Equitation at the All America Quarter Horse Congress following her World Champion win in the Novice Youth Hunt Seat Equitation at the NSBA World Show. Earlier in the year, she had success at the AQHA Level 1 East Championship Show and was crowned Reserve Champion in the Rookie Youth Horsemanship as well as Bronze Champion in the Level 1 Youth 14-18 in Western Pleasure. Additionally, she was Top 10 at the AQHA Youth World, NSBA World Show, All American Quarter Horse Congress and AQHA Level 1 East Championship Show in multiple events.
"Emma comes to Georgia as a fierce competitor in the all-around events," Lantz said. "She can be found in various arenas and finds greats success in all of them. At a horse show she can always be found on the back of a horse no matter the time and is one of the most intentional riders I have seen. She works hard when no one is looking and does much of her own preparation at the horse show. She is a product of one of the best teaching professionals who has produced many successful collegiate athletes. She has her sights set high academically and has proven to be a tremendous student while balancing her show schedule. We are so excited to have Emma's drive and dedication joining us in Athens."
Katharine Reuter | Jumping Seat | Mill Valley, California
Katharine Reuter joins Georgia equestrian after finishing in fourth place at the 2024 USEF Talent Search Finals West. She was the winner of the 2024 Low Junior Jumper Classic at HITS Del Mar. She was the 2024 Circuit Champion in the Small Junior Hunters 16-17. Reuter had multiple top finishes in 2024 – third place in the WCHR Junior Hunter 3'6 Southwest Year-End standings and sixth place at ASPCA Maclay Regionals. She joins the Bulldogs with ribbons at Devon, Junior Hunter Finals, Capital Challenge and Harrisburg in the Junior hunters.
"Katharine comes to Georgia with a great deal of horse knowledge and experience as a working student," Becker said. "She has not been able to have a horse of her own in recent years and thus has been catch riding different horses for different trainers – with great success at the top level. Her catch riding experience is what stood out to us as it is exactly what college riding is all about – being able to get on a new horse and work together in a short amount of time. She just this past weekend finished 4th at the West Coast USEF Talent Search Finals on a catch ride. Katharine is also a top student and a very kind young lady to all those around her. We are so excited to see what Katharine brings to our team next season."
Avery Taylor | Western | Statesboro, Georgia
Avery Taylor signs with Georgia as the 2024 APHA Reserve World Champion in Youth Reining. In 2023, she was named the IEA Reserve National Champion in Open Reining. Taylor was the IEA High School National Champion with Flamekissed Equestrian, the Region 4 Champion in Horsemanship and the Reserve National Champion in Open Horsemanship. She was the 2021 IEA National Champion in Reining (team and individual) and the National Champion in Horsemanship (team). Taylor was the 2021 ARHA World Champion Youth Ranch Reining, Youth Ranch Riding, Reserve World Champion in Youth Horsemanship and youth Ranchmanship. She was the ARHA World Show Overall Youth High Point Champion and Champion in Reining 18 & Under, Ranch Reining, Horsemanship, Ranchmanship and Ranch Riding.
"Avery is a Georgia homegrown who comes to Athens with an extensive background competing in the reining event as well as a very accomplished IEA competitor," Breuker said. "Her ability to jump on and catch ride successfully will prove to be a huge asset for this team. She is a fierce competitor, and her experience both in the reining, ranch and horsemanship arenas will help guide her throughout her career. She is a strong showman that works hard to find her way to the top every time. She is incredibly academically driven, hasn't met a stranger and is one of the hardest workers in the room. We are very excited to welcome Avery to the Bulldog family."
Helena Timpany | Jumping Seat | Monroe, Connecticut
Helena Timpany signs to become a Bulldog after placing second in the Jumper Phase at the Devon Horse Show in 2024. She finished fourth place at USHJA Jumping Seat Finals in 2023 and eighth in 2024. She has a bronze medal for USET wins and placed third and fourth at ASPCA Maclay Regionals in 2023 and 2024. Timpany was third at New England Equitation Finals in 2023, fifth in 2022 and eighth in 2024. She was Top 25 in the Gladstone Cup in 2023 and 2024 and Top 20 in the North American Equitation Championship in 2024.
"Helena is a standout rider and worker who we have had our eye on for some time," Becker said. "She is also another working student amongst this group and has not always had things easy in terms of horses. She has lots of catch riding experiences, both on horses and ponies, and has success at the top level of the support. Her effortless style and ability to get along with any type of horse should set her up well for college riding. Helena is no stranger to working hard to achieve her goals, and that is exactly what we are looking for on our team here. Not only is she talented and hardworking, but she is also a great student and a wonderful team player. We look forward to seeing the success she has in college and for our team at Georgia."
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The signees include: Hallie Blair of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Gabriella Curry of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Kingsley Dey of Kailua, Hawaii, Lilly Geitner of Aiken, South Carolina, Abbie Gordon of Statesville, North Carolina, Ava Hathaway of Bronson, Michigan, Cassie Mercier of Franklin, Georgia, Aviana Nemeth of Mason, Ohio, Gigi Philips of Charlotte, North Carolina, Emma Popp of Jasper, Indiana, Katharine Reuter of Mill Valley, California, Avery Taylor of Statesboro, Georgia and Helena Timpany of Monroe, Connecticut.
"What an exciting day as we welcome thirteen extraordinary ladies to the Mane Dawgs," Boenig said. "In this recruiting class we have a wealth of experience, passion and talent. They combine a gift in the sport with a deep commitment to Georgia both in the arena and in the classroom. When recruiting, we also searched for future teammates that embodied the Georgia Way. This group exemplifies endless support for their team, a commitment to doing things right and the pursuit of a great education. Georgia equestrian is in great hands."
Hallie Blair | Western | Albuquerque, New Mexico
Hallie Blair signs to Georgia with a decorated resume. She joins the Bulldogs as the 2024 AZRHA Best of the West Circuit Champion Youth 14-18. This year, she has been crowned the NRHA Southwest Affiliate Regional Champion 14-18 and the Southwest Team Tournament Champion. She was a Top 10 Finisher in the NRHA Rookie Level 2 and the NRHA Youth Challenge at The Run for A Million in 2024. Blair also received recognition at the NRHA Cactus Reining Classic and was the Rookie Level 1 Champion and Rookie Level 2 Reserve Champion at the Arizona AQHA Sun Circuit. At the 2024 Southern Arizona AQHA Saguaro Classic, she was crowned Youth 14-18 Circuit Champion.
"Hallie comes to Georgia with a wealth of experience in the reining arena on the big stage," Associate head coach for Western McKenzie Lantz said. "She rides with very decorated professionals who have helped prepare her for what comes ahead. Hallie is a great showman that has an attention-grabbing style that will prove well in the college setting. She has gotten to show various horses in her career which will help to lay a foundation in her collegiate riding. Paired with her riding, she has a bubbly personality that lights up everyone around her and has already turned into a Georgia girl through and through! She is a tremendous student that will continue to add value to our teams already high academic standards. We are looking forward to having Hallie's energy and talent here in Athens."
Gabriella Curry | Jumping Seat | Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Gabriella Curry signs to be a Bulldog after finishing Top 20 at the ASPCA Maclay Finals in 2024, as well as making it to the Individual Final at Prix de States in 2024. She was the winner of the High Junior Jumper Classic and Champion during Tryon Summer Series 2024 and was named Champion during WEC Ocala Summer Series 2024. She finished with a silver medal in the Pre-Junior Team event, as well as finishing sixth individually at NAYC in 2023. In 2022, Curry was awarded Low Junior Jumper Horse of the Year and was WEF Circuit Champion in the Low Juniors. She was the Reserve Circuit Champion at the 2021 WEF in Children's Jumpers.
"Gabi comes to us with a very strong background in the jumpers, as well as some great success in the Equitation ring," Jumping Seat assistant coach Anna Becker said. "Recently, she had an outstanding showing at Maclay Finals, ending up in the top 20. Not only is she an incredibly strong student and talented rider, but she is also such a nice and kind person. She makes friends easily and seems to have a relationship with everyone in the horse show world. This will be a huge asset for our team and the community that we have built here. The daughter of two former collegiate student-athletes, Gabi will fit right into the rigor of what it takes to be a D1 athlete at Georgia. We can't wait to see what she brings to our team next fall."
Kingsley Dey | Jumping Seat | Kailua, Hawaii
Kingsley Dey signs after being crowned the 2023 Capital Challenge Age Group Equitation Champion. In 2022, she won the WIHS Jumper phase at the Devon Horse Show and the Capital Challenge Age Group Equitation Flat class. She was the 2021 and 2020 WEF Circuit Champion in the Age Group Equitation and has been a multi-time APSCA Maclay and USEF Medal National Final qualifier.
"Kingsley comes to Georgia with a very strong athletic background and resume," Becker said. "Originally from Hawaii, she moved to the continental United States at eight years old and has been riding ever since. Kingsley has had some top finishes at major events year after year and has been a stellar student in the classroom as well. Kingsley is an incredibly thoughtful and highly intelligent young lady. Any conversation that I have had with her, she has been nothing but poised and confident — which is exactly how she competes in the arena. We look forward to seeing her succeed here at Georgia."
Lilly Geitner | Jumping Seat | Aiken, South Carolina
Lilly Geitner becomes a Bulldog after a successful 2024, winning the Aiken Charity High Classic, becoming a Junior Team Gold Medalist at NAYC and being named the Reserve Champion in Older Small Juniors at PA National Horse Show. She also earned the Style of Riding Award at WEC Ocala. Geitner has collected multiple wins in National Derbies. In 2023, she was the WEC Ocala Medium Junior/Amateur Jumper Night Class Winner and the Hollow Brook Junior Sportsmanship Award Winner at PA National Horse Show. She also won the first Grand Prix she competed in during her career.
"I am uncertain if there is anyone more excited about becoming a Dawg than Lilly," Becker said. "She has been ready for this moment since last fall. Lilly comes to UGA with a very well decorated background in the Equestrian ranks. Her parents are well-respected professionals in the industry, and they have taught her a great deal. Lilly has grown up catch riding so many different horses and ponies in her career and has found great success at it in all three rings. This experience will be perfect for college riding, and she will be well prepared for what is to come in her years on the team. Not only is Lilly a talented rider, but her academic accomplishments and her bubbly personality will fit right in with our team here. We can't wait to see what she accomplishes here at Georgia."
Abbie Gordon | Jumping Seat | Statesville, North Carolina
Abbie Gordon signs with UGA after winning NAYC team bronze at both NAYC and the U25 Team Event at WEF. She was a finalist at the WIHS Equitation Finals and USEF Talent Search Finals in 2024. She finished 12th at the ASPCA Maclay Finals in 2024 and mase the Top 25 at USEF Medal Finals in 2023. Gordon was the National Horse Show grand champion and classic winner of high Junior/Amateur Jumpers in 2023. She was the champion and classic winner of the 2022 Pennsylvania National Horse Show Low Junior/Amateur Jumpers and had top placings at the Devon Horse Show in the equitation in 2022-2024. Gordon was also the winner of the Taylor Harris Equitation Finals in 2021.
"Abbie comes to Georgia as not only a standout student and standout rider, but also as a passionate individual about team mindset and comradery," Becker said. "Abbie has already been outspoken about support of her future teammates and brings excitement to those around her with her passion for Georgia and athletics. Abbie has had a ton of success at the top level of the sport in the hunters, jumpers and equitation – including placing 12th at this year's Maclay Finals. We know that all her decorated success will set her up well for college riding. We look forward to all that Abbie brings to our team and know that her passion and energy will help us greatly."
Ava Hathaway | Western | Bronson, Michigan
Ava Hathaway signs to be a Bulldog after being crowned the 2024 Quarter Horse Congress All Around Champion 15-18 and Champion 15-18 Hunt seat Equitation. She was named the 2024 AQHYA All Around L3 14-18 Champion and L2 AQHYA World Champion in 14-18 Trail and Western Riding. Hathaway was also the 2024 L3 Reserve World champion in the Western riding and Bronze World Champion in the Trial. She was the 2023 Quarter Horse Congress Reserve All Around in the Youth 15-18, Quarter Horse Congress Champion 15-18 in the Showmanship and NSBA World Champion in the L1 Youth Western Riding. Hathaway joins the Bulldogs with multiple Top 5s, 10s and Finalist honors at the Majors in all events and has multiple High Points, Circuit Awards and wins at AQHA Shows on her resume.
"Ava comes to Georgia as an incredibly decorated horsemanship rider," Lantz said. "Recently, she was awarded the All-Around award at both the AQHYA World Show and the All-American Quarter Horse Congress. Her talent in the arena speaks for itself, and we know she will be an incredible asset to our team. She hails from one of the best training programs in the country who has produced several successful collegiate riders including many who have ridden at UGA. Not only is Ava a tremendous rider, she is a standout cross country runner, setting many school records and earning several all-state titles. Her diligence to perfecting her skills paired with her kindness and welcoming personality are going to be a tremendous fit for the team that we have built. Her dedication to everything she does will continuing to be a stellar student is exactly what Georgia looks for. We can't wait to have Ava here with us in Bulldog country next fall."
Cassandra Mercier | Western | Franklin, Georgia
Cassandra Mercier signs to Georgia as the Reserve Champion of the 2024 KRHA Clayton Reining Classic Youth Derby and the Level 2 Rookie SE Affiliate Region Champion. In 2023, she was Top 6 at the All Star Reining Non Pro Futurity and was the 2023 All Star Reining Youth 14-18 Reserve Champion. Mercier was the Rookie Level 1 and Level 2 Reserve Champion at the 2022 APHA World Show and was crowned the TNRHA Spinning in the Rein Youth 14-18 Champion. In 2022, she was a qualifier for the Run for a Million Rookie Level 2 and was a Top 10 at the APHA Worth Show Youth 18 and under.
"Cassie is another Georgia native who has spent her entire life at horse shows," Breuker said. "As a horse trainer's daughter, Cassie understands the work that goes into all the behind the scenes and preparation for competition. She is an avid competitor that has spent many of hours on any horse that was available for her. Her background and experience in the reining arena is going to prove her well on our college horses. She holds herself to a high standard academically, and I know she will continue to be an academic weapon here in Athens. She is poised and mature, and we are incredibly excited to welcome her family back to Athens as her dad served as the volunteer coach several seasons ago while Cassie could be found watching through the fences at a young age."
Aviana Nemeth | Western | Mason, Ohio
Aviana Nemeth signs to UGA as the Reserve Circuit Champion in the L2 14-18 Horsemanship and placing first in the 14-18 Equitation at The Madness in 2024. She was the 2022 L1 World Champion in the 14-18 Horsemanship. Nemeth has multiple Top 10s at the AQHYA World Show and The All American Quarter Horse Congress in the Horsemanship and placed 10th at the All American Quarter Horse Congress in the 12-14 Horsemanship in 2022. She was nationally ranked 10th in the L2 Horsemanship in 2022.
"Aviana comes to Georgia as a decorated horsemanship rider who has seen much success in various arenas of the all-around events," Lantz said. "She rides with very accomplished professionals who continue to prepare her for riding in college. I am not sure you will meet a kinder person who has such a genuine appreciation for anything ahead of her. She has worked hard to perfect her skills and continues to be everyone else biggest supporter. She is successful academically, works incredibly hard and is friends with everyone. Her contagious personality was evident immediately on her visit and we knew that she would be the perfect fit for our team. We are looking forward to finally welcoming Aviana to Georgia and the Bulldog family."
Gigi Phillips | Jumping Seat | Charlotte, North Carolina
Gigi Phillips signs as the recipient of the Hollowbrook sportsmanship award at the PA National Horse Show in 2024. She was the winner of the handy class in the Large 16-17 Junior Hunters at Junior Hunter Finals. Phillips was Reserve Champion in the Large 16-17 Junior Hunters at the Devon Horse Show in 2024 and was named best Junior Rider at Derby Finals. In 2023, she won Reserve Champion at WIHS in the Large 16-17 Junior hunters.
"Gigi comes to Georgia with a wealth of experience as a horsewoman, a student and a rider," Becker said. "She is a working student for her trainer that has a ton of wonderful horse knowledge, and that stood out to us immediately when she came to one of our clinics in the past. She has won at the top shows at the most elite level and is always complimentary of the horses that she partnered with each time. Gigi is also an incredible student and is graduating early with a stellar GPA. We look forward to the knowledge, experience and work ethic that Gigi will bring to our team next fall."
Emma Popp | Western | Jasper, Indiana
Emma Popp signs with UGA after recently being named the Congress Champion in the Level 1 Youth 14-18 Hunt Seat Equitation at the All America Quarter Horse Congress following her World Champion win in the Novice Youth Hunt Seat Equitation at the NSBA World Show. Earlier in the year, she had success at the AQHA Level 1 East Championship Show and was crowned Reserve Champion in the Rookie Youth Horsemanship as well as Bronze Champion in the Level 1 Youth 14-18 in Western Pleasure. Additionally, she was Top 10 at the AQHA Youth World, NSBA World Show, All American Quarter Horse Congress and AQHA Level 1 East Championship Show in multiple events.
"Emma comes to Georgia as a fierce competitor in the all-around events," Lantz said. "She can be found in various arenas and finds greats success in all of them. At a horse show she can always be found on the back of a horse no matter the time and is one of the most intentional riders I have seen. She works hard when no one is looking and does much of her own preparation at the horse show. She is a product of one of the best teaching professionals who has produced many successful collegiate athletes. She has her sights set high academically and has proven to be a tremendous student while balancing her show schedule. We are so excited to have Emma's drive and dedication joining us in Athens."
Katharine Reuter | Jumping Seat | Mill Valley, California
Katharine Reuter joins Georgia equestrian after finishing in fourth place at the 2024 USEF Talent Search Finals West. She was the winner of the 2024 Low Junior Jumper Classic at HITS Del Mar. She was the 2024 Circuit Champion in the Small Junior Hunters 16-17. Reuter had multiple top finishes in 2024 – third place in the WCHR Junior Hunter 3'6 Southwest Year-End standings and sixth place at ASPCA Maclay Regionals. She joins the Bulldogs with ribbons at Devon, Junior Hunter Finals, Capital Challenge and Harrisburg in the Junior hunters.
"Katharine comes to Georgia with a great deal of horse knowledge and experience as a working student," Becker said. "She has not been able to have a horse of her own in recent years and thus has been catch riding different horses for different trainers – with great success at the top level. Her catch riding experience is what stood out to us as it is exactly what college riding is all about – being able to get on a new horse and work together in a short amount of time. She just this past weekend finished 4th at the West Coast USEF Talent Search Finals on a catch ride. Katharine is also a top student and a very kind young lady to all those around her. We are so excited to see what Katharine brings to our team next season."
Avery Taylor | Western | Statesboro, Georgia
Avery Taylor signs with Georgia as the 2024 APHA Reserve World Champion in Youth Reining. In 2023, she was named the IEA Reserve National Champion in Open Reining. Taylor was the IEA High School National Champion with Flamekissed Equestrian, the Region 4 Champion in Horsemanship and the Reserve National Champion in Open Horsemanship. She was the 2021 IEA National Champion in Reining (team and individual) and the National Champion in Horsemanship (team). Taylor was the 2021 ARHA World Champion Youth Ranch Reining, Youth Ranch Riding, Reserve World Champion in Youth Horsemanship and youth Ranchmanship. She was the ARHA World Show Overall Youth High Point Champion and Champion in Reining 18 & Under, Ranch Reining, Horsemanship, Ranchmanship and Ranch Riding.
"Avery is a Georgia homegrown who comes to Athens with an extensive background competing in the reining event as well as a very accomplished IEA competitor," Breuker said. "Her ability to jump on and catch ride successfully will prove to be a huge asset for this team. She is a fierce competitor, and her experience both in the reining, ranch and horsemanship arenas will help guide her throughout her career. She is a strong showman that works hard to find her way to the top every time. She is incredibly academically driven, hasn't met a stranger and is one of the hardest workers in the room. We are very excited to welcome Avery to the Bulldog family."
Helena Timpany | Jumping Seat | Monroe, Connecticut
Helena Timpany signs to become a Bulldog after placing second in the Jumper Phase at the Devon Horse Show in 2024. She finished fourth place at USHJA Jumping Seat Finals in 2023 and eighth in 2024. She has a bronze medal for USET wins and placed third and fourth at ASPCA Maclay Regionals in 2023 and 2024. Timpany was third at New England Equitation Finals in 2023, fifth in 2022 and eighth in 2024. She was Top 25 in the Gladstone Cup in 2023 and 2024 and Top 20 in the North American Equitation Championship in 2024.
"Helena is a standout rider and worker who we have had our eye on for some time," Becker said. "She is also another working student amongst this group and has not always had things easy in terms of horses. She has lots of catch riding experiences, both on horses and ponies, and has success at the top level of the support. Her effortless style and ability to get along with any type of horse should set her up well for college riding. Helena is no stranger to working hard to achieve her goals, and that is exactly what we are looking for on our team here. Not only is she talented and hardworking, but she is also a great student and a wonderful team player. We look forward to seeing the success she has in college and for our team at Georgia."
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