Kearns, Yeager Earn Arion Sellier Rider Of The Month Honors

[PonyPride]

From SMUMustangs.com:

Kearns, Yeager Earn Arion Sellier Rider Of The Month Honors

WACO, Texas (NCEA/SMU) – SMU graduate student Nya Kearns and senior Elli Yeager have earned Arion Sellier Rider of the Month honors for October in their respective events, the National Collegiate Equestrian Association announced on Wednesday.

Kearns won the accolade in horsemanship after posting a 4-0 record during the month, while Yeager went 3-1 in October on the flat to pick up the honor.

In the first meet of the month, Kearns posted a 76.25-74 victory over her opponent during the road meet against fourth-ranked Texas A&M. She also earned a MOP honor in the victory.

She continued her success against No. 6 Georgia and No. 1 Auburn, recording two victories and picking up the MOP against the Tigers. The Grayslake, Illinois, native also reached two milestones during the meet at Auburn, picking up her 50th career victory and 25th career MOP to extend her SMU records.

During the first home meet of the season, Kearns wrapped up her October with a 76.25-73 victory and earned a MOP as the Mustangs dominated second-ranked TCU.

Yeager opened her month of October with a win and a MOP against fourth-ranked Texas A&M. She continued her success in the subsequent meet against No. 6 Georgia, picking up another victory and MOP accolade against the Bulldogs.

Following a narrow loss on the road against top-ranked Auburn, she closed out her month with another victory and MOP during the home opener against No. 2 TCU.

This marks Kearns' sixth NCEA rider of the month accolade, while Yeager earned her second monthly honor but first on the flat.

Fifth-ranked SMU is set for another home matchup on Saturday, November 9, at 11 a.m. when it faces off against No. 9 Baylor at Dallas Equestrian Center. The fall slate will conclude on Friday, November 15, when the Mustangs compete against fourth-ranked Oklahoma State in Stillwater.