News release from Texas A&M Athletics:
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION – The No. 4 Texas A&M equestrian team downed No. 2 SMU 14-6 Thursday afternoon in its season opener at the Hildebrand Equine Complex.
The highly anticipated Top 5 matchup saw the Aggies (1-0) take an 8-2 advantage into the halftime break after claiming victories in both Flat (4-1) and Reining (4-1). Brooke Brombach led the charge in Flat, scoring a team-best 81 on Splendid to secure the first point of the meet. Rylee Shufelt (75.5), Devan Thomas (75) and Devon Thomas (77.5) also garnered points for the Maroon & White.
In Reining, Gracie Casebolt earned Most Outstanding Performer (MOP) honors after logging a ride of 71.75 on Tank. Lauren Hanson posted a team-high 72 en route to her first win of the year, while Mattie Gustin (71.5) and Isabelle Gonzalez (69.75) also tallied points for the Aggies.
Out of the break, the Mustangs (0-2) claimed a 3-2 victory in Fences to cut the Texas A&M lead to 10-5. Kate Egan and Brombach (86) earned the lone points for the Aggies in the event. Egan recorded MOP honors after registering a score of 88.25 on CJ.
The Maroon & White secured the victory in Horsemanship with a score of 4-1. Kendall Dirksen tallied a team-best 74.75 on Sally to lead the squad in the event. Meagan Braun (73.75), Millie Landon (74.5) and Hanna Olaussen (72.5) also picked up wins for the Aggies.
Post Meet Quotes
“I couldn’t be more proud,” said head coach Tana McKay. “Holding SMU to only one point in three events is a really big deal because they’re obviously a very good team. I’m so proud of how this team worked behind the scenes. Everyone did their job, and it showed. I couldn’t be more proud.”
Next Up
The No. 4 Aggies hit the road to take on No. 9 Delaware State Friday, Oct. 11 at 8 a.m. central time at the Dovington Training Center.
How to Follow
To learn more about Texas A&M equestrian, log on to 12thMan.com or follow @AggieEquestrian on X and Instagram.