Photo by: Tony Walsh/UGAAA
November 11, 2026 | Equestrian
ATHENS – University of Georgia head equestrian coach Meghan Boenig has announced that nine riders have signed National Letters of Intent to continue their equestrian careers and education at UGA beginning in the 2027-28 school year.
"Our 2027 recruiting class has the heart, knowledge, and talent to immediately contribute to our success," Boenig said. "Several have lived and breathed horses from birth because of their family's shared passion and pursuit. Others got on horses early and made competition their every weekend activity.
This breath of experience and comfort competing will make us better. In all commits we have seen a deep commitment to the Georgia Way, an unselfish culture invested in hard work for each other. We can't wait for them to arrive on campus."
The signees include: Myah Chaput of Big Rapids, Michigan, Alexa Curry of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Emma Hakim of Greenwich, Rhode Connecticut, Lilly Herzog of Pepper Pike, Ohio, Emma Hillis of Axtell, Texas, Kaylee Hook of West Columbia, South Carolina, Eleanor Pieters of Chepachet, Rhode Island, Olivia Scileppi of Haddam, Connecticut and Sarah Yearick of Julian, Pennsylvania.
Myah Chaput | Western | Big Rapids, Michigan
Myah Chaput brings an impressive list of championship titles to Georgia; she was crowned the 2025 AQHYA L3 World Champion in Youth 14-18 Showmanship and L2 World Champion in Youth 14-18 Western Pleasure. She also earned bronze in L3 Youth 14-18 Western Pleasure and was named the NSBA Reserve World Champion in Youth 14-18 Western Pleasure in the same year. In 2023, she claimed the AQHYA L2 World Championship in Youth 13 & Under Showmanship, along with two Congress Champion titles in Showmanship and Hunter Under Saddle. She previously earned two AQHYA World Show titles and two Congress Champion titles in 2021. Most recently, she earned bronze in Green Non-Pro Showmanship and the Cinch Horsemanship Invitational at the 2026 NSBA World Show.
"Myah is an exceptionally accomplished competitor whose success across multiple events reflects both her remarkable talent and her dedication to mastering her craft," Western Associate Head Coach McKenzie Lantz said. "Her extensive list of World and Congress titles speaks volumes about her ability to rise to the occasion and consistently perform against the best in the industry. What stands out about Myah is her competitive mindset, attention to detail, and the versatility she has developed throughout her career. She brings a wealth of championship experience, but more importantly, an understanding of the preparation, discipline, and work ethic required to sustain that level of success. We are excited about the impact she can make in our Horsemanship lineup and believe her drive to excel will be a tremendous addition to the competitive culture and high standards we strive for at Georgia."
Alexa Curry | Fences | Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Alexa Curry joins Georgia Equestrian with an impressive record of success in the jumper ring. In 2024, she earned a top 24 finish at the Maclay Finals and advanced to the individual final at the Prix des States. Curry also claimed High Junior Jumper Classic victories and championship honors at both the Tryon Summer Series and WEC Ocala Summer Series that year. In 2023, she helped secure team silver in the Pre-Junior division at the North American Youth Championships (NAYC), where she also finished sixth individually. Her earlier accomplishments include being named the 2022 Low Junior Horse of the Year, earning the 2022 WEF Low Junior Circuit Champion title and securing Reserve Circuit Champion honors in Children's Jumpers at WEF in 2021.
"We have known Alexa for a while because her sister, Gabriella, is a current Sophomore on our team," Jumping Seat Associate Head Coach Anna Becker said. "Alexa has had a ton of success in the jumper ring, and more recently has had great success this year in the Equitation as well. Alexa is someone who rides with a ton of precision and accuracy and is never afraid to take risks. It has been fun to see her progress over the years, and all the success she has had as well. And I am looking forward to seeing what she is able to accomplish in her last junior year. Alexa is someone that can make friends with anyone (and honestly probably is friends with everyone) and is so much fun to talk to and be around. I know that she is already friends with much of our team and will fit in perfectly with our group and our culture. We are so grateful to have another Curry family member join our Bulldog Family."
Emma Hakim | Jumping Seat | Greenwich, Connecticut
Emma Hakim arrives in Athens with more than 15 years of riding experience and a championship title to her name. In 2025, she was crowned the New England Equitation Champion and tallied a second-place finish at the Governors Cup. Hakim also placed in the top 20 at the North American Equitation Championship in 2024. Among her favorite riding memories is competing in her first USEF Medal Finals, recalling how special it was to enter the ring for that class for the first time.
"Emma is such a sweet young lady and beautiful rider," Becker said. "She has had a long history of success both in the jumper and Equitation rings and had a lot of experience with green horses – something that I know will set her up well in college. Emma's family owns and runs a well-known farm in New York, so she has benefitted from a wealth of different trainers and riders that have helped her in her riding career, and I know that knowledge has set her up well for future success in her riding career as well as her collegiate career. Emma is one of our few signees that also attends in person school, which is no small feat to be able to balance a successful riding career and academics with so much constant travel. We are so excited and happy that Emma chose Georgia to be her home."
Lilly Herzog | Jumping Seat | Pepper Pike, Ohio
Lilly Herzog joins Georgia Equestrian with a list of accomplishments in both the hunter and equitation rings. In 2026, she was crowned the WCHR 3'6" National Junior Champion and claimed victory in the WCHR Junior 3'6" Challenge. Hills also earned Best Child Rider honors at Capital Challenge and was named the Leading Junior Hunter Rider at WEF that same year. She secured a top 10 finish at the 2026 Maclay Finals and placed sixth at Gladstone East. Hills previously earned a third-place finish at Gladstone East in 2025.
"Lilly is one of the sweetest young ladies I have ever met, but she is also one of the fiercest competitors I have ever met." Becker said. "She really is someone that knows how to turn it on when she goes in the show ring. Lilly is a rider who does not own her own horse and is able to catch ride anything and everything that is offered to her from different barns and trainers. Her ability to ride all types of (typically very green) horses, made her standout to me in the recruiting process. Almost every time I watch Lilly at a show, she is on a new and different horse or pony. Lilly is always the first person to give credit to her horses and trainers, even when much of the credit is owed to herself and her riding. I know her personality, work ethic, and catch riding ability will set her up very well for college riding and being a wonderful teammate. We are so grateful that Lilly chose Georgia."
Emma Hills | Western | Axtell, Texas
Emma Hills brings a reining resume to Georgia, highlighted by multiple derby victories. In 2026, she captured the Level 2 Non-Pro Derby title and earned Reserve Champion honors in the Level 3 Non-Pro Derby at the 100X Brazos Slide Derby. Hills was also a 2025 NRHA Level 4 Non-Pro Derby finalist. In 2022, she claimed first place in Intermediate Non-Pro and Non-Pro Maturity at the Low Roller Reining Classic. Her earlier accomplishments include victories in the Level 1, Level 2 and Youth Non-Pro Derby divisions at the 2021 Best Little Derby in the West, along with Level 1 and Level 4 Non-Pro Derby wins at the CRRHA Fall Spooktacular Derby.
"Emma brings a strong competitive background as a Reiner and has proven herself against talented competition at some of the industry's most respected events," Lantz said. "Her success in the derby pen, including multiple championships and an NRHA Level 4 Non Pro Derby finals appearance, demonstrates her ability to compete under pressure and deliver when it matters most. Emma's experience, determination, and commitment to developing her skills will serve her well as she transitions to the collegiate format. We see tremendous potential in her as a rider and are excited about the competitive depth she will bring to our Reining lineup. We look forward to watching her continue to grow, challenge herself, and contribute to the standard of excellence we expect at Georgia."
Kaylee Hook | Western | West Columbia, South Carolina
Kaylee Hook has been riding since she was five and comes to Georgia with 12 years of competitive riding experience. She is a two-time YEDA National Champion and three-time YEDA National Reserve Champion with the IIR Stars equestrian team. Hook placed fourth in the 13 & Under Ranch Riding at the 2023 AQHYA World Show and earned the 2023 SCQHA Year-End Champion title, which she considers the highlight of her riding career. In 2024, she was named the YEDA Sapphire Horsemanship Champion, YEDA Sapphire Ranch Riding Reserve Champion and SERHA Youth Rookie Year-End Reserve Champion. Hook also earned the 2024 YEDA Outstanding Youth Award, AQHA Outstanding Youth Scholarship and Justin Level 2 Youth Exhibitor of the Year honors in South Carolina. In 2025, she earned SCQHA Year-End Champion titles in Open, Level 1 Youth and Youth Reining, along with the SCQHA Youth Boxing Champion title. She also received the 2025 AQHA Level 1 Youth Achievement in Ranch Riding and Reining.
"Kaylee is a well-rounded horsewoman who brings a competitive riding resume across several events," Lantz said. "Her success in reining, ranch riding, and YEDA team competition reflects her versatility, dedication, and strong foundation as a rider. What stands out about Kaylee is her commitment to excellence both in and out of the arena, demonstrated through her national titles, leadership recognition, and academic honors. She has shown that she values hard work, personal growth, and being a positive representative of the teams and organizations she is part of. We are excited to welcome someone with her character, competitive experience, and team-first mentality to Georgia. We believe Kaylee has all the qualities to make a meaningful impact on our Reining lineup and within the Bulldog family."
Eleanor Pieters | Jumping Seat | Chepachet, Rhode Island
Eleanor Pieters comes to Georgia with an abundance of experience after 17 years of riding. She recently finished eighth at the 2026 WIHS Finals, second at the New England Equitation Championships, eighth at the USET Finals and fourth at the Gladstone Cup Finals. Additionally, Pieters won the age equitation division at Capital Challenge in both 2025 and 2026 and is a three-time winner of the Katie Battison Horsemanship Competition. She placed fifth at the 2025 Prix des States and competed in the junior division at the North American Youth Championships in both 2025 and 2026, earning top-25 finishes at the Medal and Maclay Finals in both years. In 2022, she earned individual gold and team silver at the USHJA Zone 1 Jumper Championships, won the USHJA Hunt Seat Finals and finished second at the NHS Medal Finals.
"Nora has been someone that I have been watching ride for so many years and so hoping that she could eventually join our team," Becker said. "I am so excited that she chose Georgia. Nora is the daughter of very well-respected professionals in our industry and has worked incredibly hard all her life in this sport and ridden ALL types of horses. Nora is a standout for her poise and composure in the arena, a beautiful riding style and position, and an incredible ability to ride any and all kinds of horses – and win. She has made up most of the horses that she has shown and never really had a "made" horse, which I know will set her up for success as a collegiate rider. Nora is always complimentary of her horses, trainers, and friends, which is something I love about her. I know that her personality and humor will fit right in with our team and culture. We can't wait for Nora to join our team next fall."
Olivia Scileppi | Western | Haddam, Connecticut
Olivia Scileppi arrives in Athens with an accomplished resume highlighted by multiple world championship titles. In 2025, she captured two AQHYA World Championships in Level 2 and Level 3 Performance Halter Mares, along with an NSBA Reserve World Championship in Color Youth Trail. Her success on the national stage dates back to 2022, when she claimed a World Championship in Novice 13 & Under Trail and finished second in Level 3 Youth Trail 12–14 at the All American Quarter Horse Congress. Scileppi added an AQHYA Reserve World Championship in Performance Halter Mares in 2023. Most recently, she placed sixth in Color Youth Trail at the 2026 NSBA World Championship Show and took home first place in Performance Halter Mares at SOQHA The Madness.
"Olivia brings an impressive level of experience and success to our program, having consistently competed and excelled on some of the biggest stages in the industry," Lantz said. "Her versatility across multiple events speaks to her natural feel, attention to detail, and ability to adapt to different challenges in the show pen. What excites us most about Olivia is the strong foundation she has built through years of dedication and hard work, paired with the competitive drive to continue improving. She has consistently been someone who is wise beyond her years and willing to put the extra work in no matter if someone is watching. She understands what it takes to perform at a championship level, and we believe her talent, experience, and commitment to excellence will make her a tremendous asset to our Horsemanship lineup and the Georgia Equestrian family."
Sarah Yearick | Western | Julian, Pennsylvania
Sarah Yearick joins the Bulldogs with a lengthy riding resume. Yearick captured Non Pro Championships in Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 at the 2026 Homecoming Derby. She was named Rookie Level 2 Champion at the 2026 Congress, a long-time goal of hers, and added a top 10 finish in Youth 14-18. In addition to multiple Congress Championships and top finishes at NRHA events, she is a two-time IEA Open Reining Reserve National Champion. She recalls that her favorite riding memory was winning the Northeast Youth Team Tournament.
"Sarah has established herself as a talented and determined competitor whose continued progression in the reining pen is especially exciting to us," Lantz said. "Her success within the NRHA competitions at a high level, and on the National IEA stage demonstrates her versatility, strong work ethic, and desire to continually elevate her performance. What makes Sarah particularly appealing to our program is her extensive experience and success competing in a team environment on unfamiliar horses, where individual accountability and collective success go hand in hand. She understands the importance of showing up for those around her while maintaining a competitive edge of her own. We believe Sarah's combination of talent, coach-ability, and team-oriented mindset will make her a valuable addition to our Reining lineup and the culture we continue to build at Georgia."
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.
"Our 2027 recruiting class has the heart, knowledge, and talent to immediately contribute to our success," Boenig said. "Several have lived and breathed horses from birth because of their family's shared passion and pursuit. Others got on horses early and made competition their every weekend activity.
This breath of experience and comfort competing will make us better. In all commits we have seen a deep commitment to the Georgia Way, an unselfish culture invested in hard work for each other. We can't wait for them to arrive on campus."
The signees include: Myah Chaput of Big Rapids, Michigan, Alexa Curry of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Emma Hakim of Greenwich, Rhode Connecticut, Lilly Herzog of Pepper Pike, Ohio, Emma Hillis of Axtell, Texas, Kaylee Hook of West Columbia, South Carolina, Eleanor Pieters of Chepachet, Rhode Island, Olivia Scileppi of Haddam, Connecticut and Sarah Yearick of Julian, Pennsylvania.
Myah Chaput | Western | Big Rapids, Michigan
Myah Chaput brings an impressive list of championship titles to Georgia; she was crowned the 2025 AQHYA L3 World Champion in Youth 14-18 Showmanship and L2 World Champion in Youth 14-18 Western Pleasure. She also earned bronze in L3 Youth 14-18 Western Pleasure and was named the NSBA Reserve World Champion in Youth 14-18 Western Pleasure in the same year. In 2023, she claimed the AQHYA L2 World Championship in Youth 13 & Under Showmanship, along with two Congress Champion titles in Showmanship and Hunter Under Saddle. She previously earned two AQHYA World Show titles and two Congress Champion titles in 2021. Most recently, she earned bronze in Green Non-Pro Showmanship and the Cinch Horsemanship Invitational at the 2026 NSBA World Show.
"Myah is an exceptionally accomplished competitor whose success across multiple events reflects both her remarkable talent and her dedication to mastering her craft," Western Associate Head Coach McKenzie Lantz said. "Her extensive list of World and Congress titles speaks volumes about her ability to rise to the occasion and consistently perform against the best in the industry. What stands out about Myah is her competitive mindset, attention to detail, and the versatility she has developed throughout her career. She brings a wealth of championship experience, but more importantly, an understanding of the preparation, discipline, and work ethic required to sustain that level of success. We are excited about the impact she can make in our Horsemanship lineup and believe her drive to excel will be a tremendous addition to the competitive culture and high standards we strive for at Georgia."
Alexa Curry | Fences | Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Alexa Curry joins Georgia Equestrian with an impressive record of success in the jumper ring. In 2024, she earned a top 24 finish at the Maclay Finals and advanced to the individual final at the Prix des States. Curry also claimed High Junior Jumper Classic victories and championship honors at both the Tryon Summer Series and WEC Ocala Summer Series that year. In 2023, she helped secure team silver in the Pre-Junior division at the North American Youth Championships (NAYC), where she also finished sixth individually. Her earlier accomplishments include being named the 2022 Low Junior Horse of the Year, earning the 2022 WEF Low Junior Circuit Champion title and securing Reserve Circuit Champion honors in Children's Jumpers at WEF in 2021.
"We have known Alexa for a while because her sister, Gabriella, is a current Sophomore on our team," Jumping Seat Associate Head Coach Anna Becker said. "Alexa has had a ton of success in the jumper ring, and more recently has had great success this year in the Equitation as well. Alexa is someone who rides with a ton of precision and accuracy and is never afraid to take risks. It has been fun to see her progress over the years, and all the success she has had as well. And I am looking forward to seeing what she is able to accomplish in her last junior year. Alexa is someone that can make friends with anyone (and honestly probably is friends with everyone) and is so much fun to talk to and be around. I know that she is already friends with much of our team and will fit in perfectly with our group and our culture. We are so grateful to have another Curry family member join our Bulldog Family."
Emma Hakim | Jumping Seat | Greenwich, Connecticut
Emma Hakim arrives in Athens with more than 15 years of riding experience and a championship title to her name. In 2025, she was crowned the New England Equitation Champion and tallied a second-place finish at the Governors Cup. Hakim also placed in the top 20 at the North American Equitation Championship in 2024. Among her favorite riding memories is competing in her first USEF Medal Finals, recalling how special it was to enter the ring for that class for the first time.
"Emma is such a sweet young lady and beautiful rider," Becker said. "She has had a long history of success both in the jumper and Equitation rings and had a lot of experience with green horses – something that I know will set her up well in college. Emma's family owns and runs a well-known farm in New York, so she has benefitted from a wealth of different trainers and riders that have helped her in her riding career, and I know that knowledge has set her up well for future success in her riding career as well as her collegiate career. Emma is one of our few signees that also attends in person school, which is no small feat to be able to balance a successful riding career and academics with so much constant travel. We are so excited and happy that Emma chose Georgia to be her home."
Lilly Herzog | Jumping Seat | Pepper Pike, Ohio
Lilly Herzog joins Georgia Equestrian with a list of accomplishments in both the hunter and equitation rings. In 2026, she was crowned the WCHR 3'6" National Junior Champion and claimed victory in the WCHR Junior 3'6" Challenge. Hills also earned Best Child Rider honors at Capital Challenge and was named the Leading Junior Hunter Rider at WEF that same year. She secured a top 10 finish at the 2026 Maclay Finals and placed sixth at Gladstone East. Hills previously earned a third-place finish at Gladstone East in 2025.
"Lilly is one of the sweetest young ladies I have ever met, but she is also one of the fiercest competitors I have ever met." Becker said. "She really is someone that knows how to turn it on when she goes in the show ring. Lilly is a rider who does not own her own horse and is able to catch ride anything and everything that is offered to her from different barns and trainers. Her ability to ride all types of (typically very green) horses, made her standout to me in the recruiting process. Almost every time I watch Lilly at a show, she is on a new and different horse or pony. Lilly is always the first person to give credit to her horses and trainers, even when much of the credit is owed to herself and her riding. I know her personality, work ethic, and catch riding ability will set her up very well for college riding and being a wonderful teammate. We are so grateful that Lilly chose Georgia."
Emma Hills | Western | Axtell, Texas
Emma Hills brings a reining resume to Georgia, highlighted by multiple derby victories. In 2026, she captured the Level 2 Non-Pro Derby title and earned Reserve Champion honors in the Level 3 Non-Pro Derby at the 100X Brazos Slide Derby. Hills was also a 2025 NRHA Level 4 Non-Pro Derby finalist. In 2022, she claimed first place in Intermediate Non-Pro and Non-Pro Maturity at the Low Roller Reining Classic. Her earlier accomplishments include victories in the Level 1, Level 2 and Youth Non-Pro Derby divisions at the 2021 Best Little Derby in the West, along with Level 1 and Level 4 Non-Pro Derby wins at the CRRHA Fall Spooktacular Derby.
"Emma brings a strong competitive background as a Reiner and has proven herself against talented competition at some of the industry's most respected events," Lantz said. "Her success in the derby pen, including multiple championships and an NRHA Level 4 Non Pro Derby finals appearance, demonstrates her ability to compete under pressure and deliver when it matters most. Emma's experience, determination, and commitment to developing her skills will serve her well as she transitions to the collegiate format. We see tremendous potential in her as a rider and are excited about the competitive depth she will bring to our Reining lineup. We look forward to watching her continue to grow, challenge herself, and contribute to the standard of excellence we expect at Georgia."
Kaylee Hook | Western | West Columbia, South Carolina
Kaylee Hook has been riding since she was five and comes to Georgia with 12 years of competitive riding experience. She is a two-time YEDA National Champion and three-time YEDA National Reserve Champion with the IIR Stars equestrian team. Hook placed fourth in the 13 & Under Ranch Riding at the 2023 AQHYA World Show and earned the 2023 SCQHA Year-End Champion title, which she considers the highlight of her riding career. In 2024, she was named the YEDA Sapphire Horsemanship Champion, YEDA Sapphire Ranch Riding Reserve Champion and SERHA Youth Rookie Year-End Reserve Champion. Hook also earned the 2024 YEDA Outstanding Youth Award, AQHA Outstanding Youth Scholarship and Justin Level 2 Youth Exhibitor of the Year honors in South Carolina. In 2025, she earned SCQHA Year-End Champion titles in Open, Level 1 Youth and Youth Reining, along with the SCQHA Youth Boxing Champion title. She also received the 2025 AQHA Level 1 Youth Achievement in Ranch Riding and Reining.
"Kaylee is a well-rounded horsewoman who brings a competitive riding resume across several events," Lantz said. "Her success in reining, ranch riding, and YEDA team competition reflects her versatility, dedication, and strong foundation as a rider. What stands out about Kaylee is her commitment to excellence both in and out of the arena, demonstrated through her national titles, leadership recognition, and academic honors. She has shown that she values hard work, personal growth, and being a positive representative of the teams and organizations she is part of. We are excited to welcome someone with her character, competitive experience, and team-first mentality to Georgia. We believe Kaylee has all the qualities to make a meaningful impact on our Reining lineup and within the Bulldog family."
Eleanor Pieters | Jumping Seat | Chepachet, Rhode Island
Eleanor Pieters comes to Georgia with an abundance of experience after 17 years of riding. She recently finished eighth at the 2026 WIHS Finals, second at the New England Equitation Championships, eighth at the USET Finals and fourth at the Gladstone Cup Finals. Additionally, Pieters won the age equitation division at Capital Challenge in both 2025 and 2026 and is a three-time winner of the Katie Battison Horsemanship Competition. She placed fifth at the 2025 Prix des States and competed in the junior division at the North American Youth Championships in both 2025 and 2026, earning top-25 finishes at the Medal and Maclay Finals in both years. In 2022, she earned individual gold and team silver at the USHJA Zone 1 Jumper Championships, won the USHJA Hunt Seat Finals and finished second at the NHS Medal Finals.
"Nora has been someone that I have been watching ride for so many years and so hoping that she could eventually join our team," Becker said. "I am so excited that she chose Georgia. Nora is the daughter of very well-respected professionals in our industry and has worked incredibly hard all her life in this sport and ridden ALL types of horses. Nora is a standout for her poise and composure in the arena, a beautiful riding style and position, and an incredible ability to ride any and all kinds of horses – and win. She has made up most of the horses that she has shown and never really had a "made" horse, which I know will set her up for success as a collegiate rider. Nora is always complimentary of her horses, trainers, and friends, which is something I love about her. I know that her personality and humor will fit right in with our team and culture. We can't wait for Nora to join our team next fall."
Olivia Scileppi | Western | Haddam, Connecticut
Olivia Scileppi arrives in Athens with an accomplished resume highlighted by multiple world championship titles. In 2025, she captured two AQHYA World Championships in Level 2 and Level 3 Performance Halter Mares, along with an NSBA Reserve World Championship in Color Youth Trail. Her success on the national stage dates back to 2022, when she claimed a World Championship in Novice 13 & Under Trail and finished second in Level 3 Youth Trail 12–14 at the All American Quarter Horse Congress. Scileppi added an AQHYA Reserve World Championship in Performance Halter Mares in 2023. Most recently, she placed sixth in Color Youth Trail at the 2026 NSBA World Championship Show and took home first place in Performance Halter Mares at SOQHA The Madness.
"Olivia brings an impressive level of experience and success to our program, having consistently competed and excelled on some of the biggest stages in the industry," Lantz said. "Her versatility across multiple events speaks to her natural feel, attention to detail, and ability to adapt to different challenges in the show pen. What excites us most about Olivia is the strong foundation she has built through years of dedication and hard work, paired with the competitive drive to continue improving. She has consistently been someone who is wise beyond her years and willing to put the extra work in no matter if someone is watching. She understands what it takes to perform at a championship level, and we believe her talent, experience, and commitment to excellence will make her a tremendous asset to our Horsemanship lineup and the Georgia Equestrian family."
Sarah Yearick | Western | Julian, Pennsylvania
Sarah Yearick joins the Bulldogs with a lengthy riding resume. Yearick captured Non Pro Championships in Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 at the 2026 Homecoming Derby. She was named Rookie Level 2 Champion at the 2026 Congress, a long-time goal of hers, and added a top 10 finish in Youth 14-18. In addition to multiple Congress Championships and top finishes at NRHA events, she is a two-time IEA Open Reining Reserve National Champion. She recalls that her favorite riding memory was winning the Northeast Youth Team Tournament.
"Sarah has established herself as a talented and determined competitor whose continued progression in the reining pen is especially exciting to us," Lantz said. "Her success within the NRHA competitions at a high level, and on the National IEA stage demonstrates her versatility, strong work ethic, and desire to continually elevate her performance. What makes Sarah particularly appealing to our program is her extensive experience and success competing in a team environment on unfamiliar horses, where individual accountability and collective success go hand in hand. She understands the importance of showing up for those around her while maintaining a competitive edge of her own. We believe Sarah's combination of talent, coach-ability, and team-oriented mindset will make her a valuable addition to our Reining lineup and the culture we continue to build at Georgia."
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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