FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State equestrian team gets the 2024-25 season started on Saturday, hosting its annual Red vs. Blue Scrimmage at the Student Horse Center. Riding will begin at 11 a.m. PT, and admission and parking are free.
Preseason
The NCEA announced its preseason team rankings on Thursday evening that saw Fresno State check in at No. 10 in the preseason rankings. It is the first time the Bulldogs find themselves in the Top 10 since the Spring of 2023.
A look at the roster
Fresno State added 11 newcomers to the roster for the 2024-25 season, including 10 true freshmen and a sophomore. Of the newcomers, five are western riders and six are on the jumping seat team.
The Bulldogs also have 10 seniors on the roster this season with Olivia Ferro and Grace Mathias returning as fifth year riders.
Ferro and Shelby Robinette return as All-Big 12 selections from last season with Ferro earning the honors in fences and Robinette in the reining.
The Coaches
Fresno State enters its 10th season led by Eric Hubbard as head coach. Prior to his time as the full time head coach, he spent three seasons as the interim. Hubbard retained both assistant coaches from last season as Mary Brown returns for year number eight as the western assistant coach and Sierra Swaffar, a former Bulldog equestrian herself, is back for year two leading the jumping seat crew.
A look back at last season
Fresno State finished the year with a 3-10 record and 1-1 mark in conference competition. The Bulldogs defeated then-No. 2 SMU to close out the fall season, then earned wins over Baylor and UC Davis in the spring.
A look ahead to this season
Following the scrimmage, the Bulldogs open the season on the road with a trip to face South Dakota State, and a neutral meeting with UT-Martin on Oct. 4-5, respectively. On Oct. 12, the 'Dogs stay on the road, but return to California for a trip to UC Davis. The home opener is Oct. 18 in a Big 12 matchup against TCU followed by a trip to Waco on Nov. 1. Fresno State closes out the fall season with two in-a-row at home against Georgia on Nov. 8 and Oklahoma State on Nov. 22.