Equestrian Student-Athlete
Lyndsey Jordan
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ith the end of summer approaching, Auburn fans are looking forward to attending fall sporting events. The Auburn equestrian team will start its season Aug. 18 against Southern Methodist University. Lyndsey Jordan, a senior from Georgetown, Ky., majoring in Communications, has high expectations for next year and will play a dynamic role in the team’s success. Jordan started reining horses at the young age of 10, but was destined for riding even before she was born. “My mom and dad had a pony for me before I was born,” said Jordan. “Her name was Fancy Pants.” At the age of eleven, Jordan won her first world championship. Winning that title sparked
BY MONICA AFANADOR her passion for competitive horseback riding. “After I won my first world championship I wanted to do it more and more,” said Jordan. “I just fell in love with the sport. At the age of 16 I won my second world championship. I would wake up at 2 a.m. to practice by myself at horse shows. I worked hard and was really tough on myself to be better and better.” Because of her hard work and determination Jordan remains the second highest point earner in her sport’s history, and she has won two United States Equestrian Federation Gold medals. In high school, Jordan was unaware there were athletic opportunities for equestrian athletes in college. It wasn’t until head equestrian coach Greg Williams came knocking at her door.
“I didn’t even know girls could ride at college and especially for a scholarship until Greg Williams approached me and introduced himself,” said Jordan. “Then, after talking with Greg, I started getting offers from other schools.” It did not take long for Jordan to fall in love with Auburn University and the city itself. “After seeing Auburn and meeting the team for the first time, I fell in love with Auburn’s homey, country and small town atmosphere,” said Jordan. “I signed for a full scholarship and have loved it ever since.” Jordan has numerous memories from riding at Auburn, but her favorite part of being on the team is creating friendships that will last a lifetime. “There is a group of girls on the team that have become my sisters,” said Jordan. “They are amazing and a true blessing in my life. We have so much fun when we travel and even though we get worn out and tired, it’s all worth it. I don’t know what I would do without them.” Along with making memories with the girls on the team, Jordan has had success riding for Auburn. Jordan had her personal best record her freshman year winning a total of five Most Valuable Player awards. As a sophomore, Jordan received three MVP awards. Despite her outstanding performances during her freshman and sophomore years, Jordan overcame one of her toughest setbacks as a junior. Last summer, Jordan’s horse “Flip My Nic,” or as she called him, “Flipper,” was injured and had to be put down. Although Flipper was not at Auburn with Jordan, he had made a big impact on her life influencing her performances as a Tiger. “Flipper was the best horse I have ever had,” said Jordan. “Putting him down was the hardest thing I had ever had to go through. We won almost every event we rode. He always lifted my spirits and gave me confidence.” Dealing with her loss, Jordan feels that she did not ride well during the 2008-09 season. “I struggled inside, and it really hit me hard,” said Jordan. On June 27, Jordan won a gold medal in Oklahoma City and Collegiate Class, competing with the top 12 college riders in the nation and thought of Flipper when she showed. “It was the first time I really got my confidence back since Flipper died, and it showed me I’m back and prepared for next year’s season,” said Jordan. This summer Jordan has been working hard in and out of the classroom to prepare for next season. “Personally, I want to have another good season and win out again,” said Jordan. “Being a senior, I also want to be a strong leader on the team.” The Auburn Equestrian team looks to win all of their matches this fall to prepare them for the SEC and NCAA Tournament.
Summer 2009
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