Wesleyan College equestrian team member Audrey Mecklenburg ’22 is Wesleyan’s first rider to earn an Intercollegiate Equestrian Foundation (IEF) Scholarship awarded by Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). Audrey is one of eight students among all eligible IHSA members across the country selected for the award in 2020. The scholarships are awarded to undergraduate students who have competed in intercollegiate equestrian activities and are based upon non-discriminatory criteria including academic achievement, equestrian sport achievement, community service, and financial need.
Audrey is a sophomore from Ozark, Alabama, double majoring in studio art and early childhood education. She joined the Wesleyan College Equestrian Team in Fall 2018 as an IHSA rider competing in Level I Western Horsemanship division with a background as a barrel racer. She added IHSA Hunt Seat Equitation in Spring 2019 competing in Limit Flat and Over Fences. Audrey joined the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) Team when Wesleyan joined in Fall 2019. She qualified for IDA National Championship 2020 in Upper Training Level Dressage Seat Equitation.
Audrey is a member of the Wesleyan College soccer team, competing as a freshman and sophomore, equestrian team representative for Student Athlete Advisory Committee, and member of the Wesleyan College Art Club.
Wesleyan competes in the IHSA in both Hunt Seat and Western divisions against schools that include: Clemson University, College of Charleston, Georgia Southern University, University of South Carolina, Lander University, and Converse College. Wesleyan competes in the IDA schools in Georgia and Florida.
According to Equestrian Head Coach Catherine Baker, “Riding is about passion, hard work, and highs and lows. Audrey has exhibited all of those attributes. She is a tremendous supporter of her team and her teammates. Audrey is a very valuable team member, dedicated 100% in and out of the saddle. She is truly deserving of the IEF Scholarship.”