After a solid performance at the Baylor Fall Tournament, the equestrian team rested with a week off and is ready to jump back into action.The team will face Metroplex rival SMU in Mansfield on Saturday.

With strong performances all season by the Western team, this weekend will give the English team an opportunity to shine, as SMU does not have a Western team.

“I really hope our English team does well and gets even stronger at SMU,” sophomore Western rider Ashton Mickunas said. “They are a very strong and talented team, and I know they can give SMU a run for their money.”

The rivalry is not the primary focus heading into this weekend’s match, though, it will help get the team excited and more motivated to win, head coach Gary Reynolds said.

Rather than focusing on the rivalry and the win, Reynolds said, the girls are focused on eliminating the little mistakes that have hurt the team during the early course of the season.

The Mustangs downed TCU, 5-1 in equitation over fences and 5-1 in equitation on the flat last season. Reynolds said the team has its collective eyes set on Saturday’s match in Mansfield.

“They beat us in that match, so we are definitely looking forward to the rematch,” Reynolds said.