University of Georgia Athletics
Downey, Shepherd Named NCEA Arion Selliers Riders of the Month
November 05, 2025 | Equestrian
WACO, Texas – University of Georgia equestrian's senior Raegan Shepherd and junior Tessa Downey have been named Arion Sellier Riders of the Month for Reining and Fences for the month of October, as announced by the National Collegiate Equestrian Association on Wednesday.
Shepherd, a native of Clayton, North Carolina, rode to an undefeated 4-0 record in October, including wins against No. 2 South Carolina, No. 8 Baylor and No. 9 UC Davis.
The senior was awarded her fifth career MOP honor after a 70.5-point ride against Delaware State in Reining. She earned a new career high score of 73 against No. 2 South Carolina.
Downey, the Houston, Texas native, wrapped up the month of October boasting an impressive 5-0 record. She had a team-leading score in Fences for three meets this season. Her 89.5 against No. 9 UC Davis marks a season-high for the junior, the third highest score of her Bulldog tenure. In the 11-8 win at Delaware State, Downey earned her third career MOP, after recording a score of 85 in the Flat. This is the first rider of the month award of her career.
Georgia kicked off its fall schedule with a home win against eighth-ranked Baylor 17-3. The Bulldogs remained undefeated in the fall slate, including wins against three teams ranked in the NCEA top ten in Bishop thus far.
The Mane Dogs will travel to Texas for a pair of meets against seventh-ranked TCU on Friday and fourth-ranked Texas A&M on Saturday.
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.
Shepherd, a native of Clayton, North Carolina, rode to an undefeated 4-0 record in October, including wins against No. 2 South Carolina, No. 8 Baylor and No. 9 UC Davis.
The senior was awarded her fifth career MOP honor after a 70.5-point ride against Delaware State in Reining. She earned a new career high score of 73 against No. 2 South Carolina.
Downey, the Houston, Texas native, wrapped up the month of October boasting an impressive 5-0 record. She had a team-leading score in Fences for three meets this season. Her 89.5 against No. 9 UC Davis marks a season-high for the junior, the third highest score of her Bulldog tenure. In the 11-8 win at Delaware State, Downey earned her third career MOP, after recording a score of 85 in the Flat. This is the first rider of the month award of her career.
Georgia kicked off its fall schedule with a home win against eighth-ranked Baylor 17-3. The Bulldogs remained undefeated in the fall slate, including wins against three teams ranked in the NCEA top ten in Bishop thus far.
The Mane Dogs will travel to Texas for a pair of meets against seventh-ranked TCU on Friday and fourth-ranked Texas A&M on Saturday.
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.
Players Mentioned
Jumping Seat
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