‘TELL IT LIKE IT IS’ On The Plains: Baylee McKeever’s Auburn Journey Built on Grit, Mindset, and a Lifelong Bond with Horses

From a New York farm to SEC success, McKeever’s story highlights the mental toughness, team culture, and discipline behind Auburn equestrian’s rise.

AUBURN, Ala. | For Baylee McKeever, equestrian isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life shaped by discipline, resilience, and an unbreakable connection with horses. Raised on a farm in upstate New York, McKeever’s journey to Auburn was never guaranteed, but it became inevitable through passion, perseverance, and the support system that guided her every step of the way.

Unlike many athletes born into structured pipelines, McKeever’s introduction to riding came with freedom—not pressure. Her parents emphasized love for the craft over competition, instilling a foundation that continues to define her success today.

“My parents never forced me to ride horses,” McKeever said. “They valued that I loved the horses and the work behind it—not just showing up to compete.”

That mindset proved pivotal when McKeever made the transition to collegiate equestrian, where the demands intensify both physically and mentally. At Auburn, she found more than just a program—she found a culture that aligned with her values.

“Once I came to Auburn, I fell in love with everything—the program, the people, and the environment,” she said.

On the Plains, McKeever has thrived as both a competitor and a student, earning recognition on the SEC Academic Honor Roll while balancing the rigorous demands of Division I athletics. Her success is a testament to a support network that extends from her family farm to Auburn’s coaching staff.

‘TELL IT LIKE IT IS’ On The Plains: Holland Barnett’s Auburn Journey Defined by Growth, Grit, and Lasting Legacy

From a childhood spark in Kentucky to senior leadership at Auburn, Barnett reflects on a transformative equestrian career and a future rooted in purpose.

AUBURN, Ala. | For Holland Barnett, the road to Auburn wasn’t paved by tradition—it was sparked by curiosity. What began as a five-year-old watching friends ride horses in Lexington, Kentucky, evolved into a lifelong passion that would carry her to the national stage as a key contributor to Auburn’s equestrian program.

Now a senior and standout Jumping Seat rider, Barnett is embracing the final chapter of her collegiate career with a mix of pride, gratitude, and reflection—hallmarks of an athlete who has grown far beyond the arena.

“My friends started riding, so I started doing it, and all of a sudden I just loved it,” Barnett said. “I’ve done it my whole life ever since.”

Ironically, her first steps into equestrian weren’t even in the discipline she now excels in.

‘TELL IT LIKE IT IS’ On The Plains: Caroline Buchanan’s Final Ride Fueled by Grit, Legacy, and Championship Dreams

From Arizona roots to Auburn stardom, Buchanan blends elite equestrian performance with academic excellence as she eyes a national title and a future in dentistry.

AUBURN, Ala. | In the world of collegiate equestrian, few journeys capture the essence of discipline, legacy, and purpose quite like Caroline Buchanan’s run at Auburn. From the deserts of Arizona to the championship-caliber barns on the Plains, Buchanan has carved out a story defined by resilience, family influence, and a relentless pursuit of excellence—both in competition and in the classroom.

Following in the footsteps of her older sister, Kate Buchanan, who joined Auburn in 2020, Caroline arrived in 2022 with both high expectations and a deep-rooted passion for the sport. What followed was an immediate impact. In her freshman season (2022–23), Buchanan delivered a statement performance, securing a win at the SEC Championship and adding another victory in the NCEA Final against SMU with a score of 217—announcing her presence on the national stage.

But Buchanan’s journey is more than wins and accolades. It’s a testament to the discipline that equestrian demands—long hours, early mornings, and a level of responsibility that extends far beyond the arena.

“Equestrian has definitely taught me a lot of responsibility and time management,” Buchanan said. “Growing up having to take care of horses matures you at such a young age.”

That discipline has translated seamlessly into her academic pursuits. A biomedical sciences major set to graduate this spring, Buchanan is preparing for the next phase of her life: dental school. Her equestrian experience has provided a unique advantage—one she’s highlighted in her applications.

‘TELL IT LIKE IT IS’ On The Plains: Auburn Senior Lauren Hall’s Legacy Defined by Leadership, Tradition, and Championship Pedigree

From national titles to SEC championships, Lauren Hall reflects on growth, team culture, and a career that helped shape Auburn’s equestrian dominance

On the Plains, greatness isn’t just measured in wins—it’s defined by impact. And for Lauren Hall, that impact has been felt far beyond the arena.

Featured in ‘TELL IT LIKE IT IS’ On The Plains, Hall’s journey with the Auburn Tigers equestrian represents the blueprint of what it means to be a student-athlete in one of the nation’s premier collegiate equestrian programs.

A senior leader and marketing major, Hall has spent her Auburn career developing not only her riding ability but also her role as a teammate, mentor, and culture-setter—an evolution that mirrors the Tigers’ continued rise on the national stage.

From Early Passion to Elite Competitor

Hall’s equestrian journey began at just seven years old, inspired by her mother’s own riding background. By nine, she was already competing—laying the foundation for what would become an elite-level career.

Before arriving at Auburn, Hall built an impressive résumé that included:

• Five APHA National Championships
• Four APHA World Championships

Her decision to fully commit to equestrian over other sports like soccer, gymnastics, and dance proved pivotal—setting her on a path that would ultimately lead her to the Loveliest Village on the Plains.