University of Georgia Athletics
Downey, Shepherd Named SEC October Riders of the Month
November 13, 2025 | Equestrian
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – University of Georgia equestrian's junior Tessa Downey and senior Raegan Shepherd have been named SEC Riders of the Month for Fences and Reining for the month of October, as announced by the conference office on Thursday.
Downey, a Houston, Texas native, had a team-leading score in Fences for three meets this season. She wrapped up the month of October boasting an impressive 5-0 record.
After recording a score of 85 in Flat during the 11-8 win at Delaware State, Downey earned her third career MOP. Her 89.5 against No. 9 UC Davis marks a season-high for the junior, the third highest score of her Bulldog tenure.
Shepherd, a native of Clayton, North Carolina, secured wins against No. 2 South Carolina, No. 8 Baylor and No. 9 UC Davis in the month of October, riding to an undefeated 4-0 record.
She earned a new career high score of 73 against No. 2 South Carolina. After a 70.5-point ride against Delaware in Reining, Shepherd was awarded her fifth career MOP honor.
Georgia kicked off its fall schedule with a home win against eighth-ranked Baylor 17-3. The Bulldogs hold a 5-1 record in the fall slate, including wins against four teams ranked in the NCEA top-ten thus far.
The Mane Dawgs will wrap up competition in the fall when they travel to Auburn to take on the second-ranked Tigers on Nov. 21 before enjoying a two-month break until the beginning on the spring season.
HOW TO FOLLOW GEORGIA EQUESTRIAN: For complete information on Georgia equestrian, follow the team on its social media channels via @UGAEquestrian on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
JOIN OUR MANE DAWGS FUND: Mane Dawgs Fund contributions make a direct impact in supporting our student-athletes and equines at the Georgia Equestrian program. A gift to the Mane Dawgs fund helps provide resources such as equipment upgrades for our student and equine athletes, travel assistance, and enhance overall team experiences. Contributions to the Mane Dawgs provide benefits such as membership gifts and information about upcoming special events. Click here for more information.
Downey, a Houston, Texas native, had a team-leading score in Fences for three meets this season. She wrapped up the month of October boasting an impressive 5-0 record.
After recording a score of 85 in Flat during the 11-8 win at Delaware State, Downey earned her third career MOP. Her 89.5 against No. 9 UC Davis marks a season-high for the junior, the third highest score of her Bulldog tenure.
Shepherd, a native of Clayton, North Carolina, secured wins against No. 2 South Carolina, No. 8 Baylor and No. 9 UC Davis in the month of October, riding to an undefeated 4-0 record.
She earned a new career high score of 73 against No. 2 South Carolina. After a 70.5-point ride against Delaware in Reining, Shepherd was awarded her fifth career MOP honor.
Georgia kicked off its fall schedule with a home win against eighth-ranked Baylor 17-3. The Bulldogs hold a 5-1 record in the fall slate, including wins against four teams ranked in the NCEA top-ten thus far.
The Mane Dawgs will wrap up competition in the fall when they travel to Auburn to take on the second-ranked Tigers on Nov. 21 before enjoying a two-month break until the beginning on the spring season.
HOW TO FOLLOW GEORGIA EQUESTRIAN: For complete information on Georgia equestrian, follow the team on its social media channels via @UGAEquestrian on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
JOIN OUR MANE DAWGS FUND: Mane Dawgs Fund contributions make a direct impact in supporting our student-athletes and equines at the Georgia Equestrian program. A gift to the Mane Dawgs fund helps provide resources such as equipment upgrades for our student and equine athletes, travel assistance, and enhance overall team experiences. Contributions to the Mane Dawgs provide benefits such as membership gifts and information about upcoming special events. Click here for more information.
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