Local Equestrian Named Collegiate National Rider of The Month

Abbie Hopkins, of Seekonk, MA was recently named the NCEA Div 1 Over Fences Rider of the Month for the country. Hopkins is a 2017 graduate of Seekonk High School and is a freshman at the University of Tennessee-Martin.

Posted Wednesday, November 8, 2017 12:00 am

Martin, Tenn. – University of Tennessee at Martin freshman Abbie Hopkins earned Equifit National Collegiate Equestrian Association Rider of the Month honors in equitation over fences today.

Hopkins becomes the first Skyhawk to claim national Rider of the Month honors since the NCEA initiated its monthly honors in the 2013-14 season.

Hopkins stood out for the Skyhawks in their two competitions last month, securing a pair of MOP honors while averaging an 85.5 score in equitation over fences. The Seekonk, Mass. native began her month with an 84-point effort against No. 8 TCU on Oct. 6, tallying a team point for UT Martin. The following day at No. 10 Delaware State, she posted an 87-point ride to earn a team point and help the Skyhawks to a big victory.

On the season, Hopkins boasts an average score of 83 points in equitation over fences, tying for the team lead in team points (two) and MOP’s (two). She also has made an impact in equitation on the flat during her true freshman campaign, tallying a score of 80 and a team point (also coming against No. 8 TCU).

The No. 10 ranked UT Martin squad puts the finishing touches on its fall slate next week when it hosts the Skyhawk Invitational on Nov. 9-10. The Skyhawks play host to No. 4 SMU, No. 5 Fresno State and previously ranked Delaware State in the four-team, two-day event.