The University of Georgia’s equestrian team claimed its fifth overall team title at the Varsity Equestrian Championships on Saturday at the Heart O’Texas Fair Complex in Waco, Texas. The Bulldogs defeated Texas A&M University in a ride-off and a tiebreaker for the overall national championship.

The Bulldogs and the Aggies tied for the overall title so a ride-off, a first at the VENC, was in order. In the ride-off, one rider from each school in each event is selected to compete. Both teams were still tied at the end of four events. Georgia won both Hunter Seat events and Texas A&M was victorious in both Western events. Another first was then implemented: a tie-breaker based on points scored, and Georgia won, 603.5-579.

Georgia, under the direction of head coach Meghan Boenig and assistant coach Logan Fiorentino, also claimed its fifth Hunter Seat team title and swept both individual titles as well. The top-seeded Bulldogs defeated Auburn, 5-3, in the title match. Two sophomores, Michelle Morris and Emma Lipman claimed national individual titles in flat and fences, respectively.

In addition, University of South Carolina freshman Kimberly McCormack was named most valuable hunter seat rider.