WACO, Texas (NCEA/SMU) – The SMU equestrian team is ranked No. 7 in the NCEA (National Collegiate Equestrian Association) preseason poll, league officials announced Tuesday. The seventh spot is the highest preseason ranking for SMU since the founding of the NCEA.

"I am excited to have our highest preseason ranking in the program's history to start us off, however, you are only as good as how well you practice and compete, which is our focus," SMU head coach Carol Gwin said. "I am looking for consistency this year."

Last season, the Mustangs posted a 7-10 record and advanced to the NCEA National Championship quarterfinals after a 10-6 upset over the defending-champion and No. 7 seed, South Carolina. During the regular season, SMU topped three ranked-opponents: No. 6 South Carolina, No. 7 Fresno State and No. 3 Texas A&M. SMU was ranked as high as No. 6, and spent 10 of 13 weeks in the polls.

In hunt seat, SMU posted a 9-5-3 overall record, outscoring opponents 88-66. The Mustangs finished 10-3-4 in equitation over fences, outscoring opponents 45-27. In equitation on the flat, SMU finished 7-7-3. Nora Gray led the Mustangs with 23 wins as a freshman, setting the SMU single-season record. On the western side, the Mustangs finished with a 6-9-2 record, claiming wins over No. 6 South Carolina, No. 2 Auburn and a 5-5 tie at No. 3 Texas A&M. Jaclyn White and Madison Steed led the way with nine wins apiece.

The Mustangs open the regular season Friday at TCU. The Horned Frogs edged the Mustangs, 10-9 in Dallas last season.
 

2016-17 NCEA Preseason Rankings

1. Auburn

2. Georgia

3. TCU

4. Texas A&M

5. Baylor

6. Oklahoma State

7. SMU

8. South Carolina

9. Fresno State

10. Delaware State