WACO, Texas – The National Collegiate Equestrian Association has announced the Educated Rider Standout Student-Athlete and NCEA Horse of the Month awards for the month of February, as voted on by the NCEA Awards Committee, released Thursday.
 
Baylor's Isabelle Hildebrandt is honored as the Educated Rider Standout Student-Athlete of the Month, while South Dakota State's "Rooster" is given the spotlight as the Horse of the Month.

Educated Rider Standout Student-Athlete of the Month
Every month the NCEA recognizes student-athletes for their accomplishments in the ring, however the NCEA would like to highlight athletes on their outstanding performances outside of the ring, including academics, philanthropy, outstanding attitude, and embodiment of an ideal teammate.
Name of Student-Athlete: Isabelle Hildebrandt
School & Year: Baylor, Sophomore
Hometown: Pearland, Texas
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Highlighted Accomplishments: 
Maintains a 4.0 GPA as well as earned Dean's List every semester (Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Fall 2025, Spring 2026). She currently works in a combustion research laboratory where she works on developing near-zero emission energy systems. She earned a spot on the Big 12 Fall 2025 Commissioner's Honor Roll.
Coach's Comments:
Isabelle has proved herself as an exceptional student-athlete whose academic and athletic dedication consistently set her apart. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA, she demonstrates discipline and commitment to excellence across all of her coursework. Beyond the classroom, Isabelle works in a combustion research lab, developing near-zero emission energy systems. On top of her rigorous academic schedule, Isabella also balances the responsibility of competing in the reining for the Bears. Her ability to excel both academically and athletically reflects not only her strong work ethic, but also her drive to succeed at the highest level in everything she pursues. 

Horse of the Month
This highlight is focused on an outstanding horse, not just one that gets high score every meet or an “MOP horse” but one that shows heart and represents the values of its respective school.
Name of Horse (Barn & Show Name): "Rooster", A Shiney Scooter
Discipline: Reining
School: South Dakota State
Leased By: Sissie Shank
Highlighted Accomplishments: 
This month Rooster has competed in 3/4 meets hosted by SDSU. In all three of these meets Rooster has been the MOP for SDSU! With these winning points Rooster averages a 70.33.
Coach's Comments:
Rooster is donated by Sissie Shank to SDSU, he is a 4 year old palomino gelding in his first season with the Jack Rabbits. Rooster is an incredible addition to the team and never ceases to amaze us! Not only is he a talented, and reliable draw for the team but he has so much personality and is an incredible teacher and participates in all the teams shenanigans! Rooster will ride around bareback, bridle-less, and double and puts up with the horse girl antics like a champ! While young in body he is an old soul and is that one horse everyone goes "I just love him" when they see him! Rooster loves kisses and snuggles, and while he may not like carrots he will take a peppermint from you anytime like a perfect gentlemen! We couldn't ask for a more forgiving, kind, and comedic athlete on this team! Thank you Rooster!

About Educated Rider
Educated Rider empowers young equestrians to take their collegiate recruiting journey by the reins. Founded by former Division I NCEA athlete Raegan Rast, Educated Rider provides courses, one-on-one coaching, and practical tools built from firsthand experience in the sport and the recruiting process. Since launching, Educated Rider has supported more than 30 riders in committing to top Division I equestrian programs across the country. With a focus on clarity, confidence, and long-term success, Educated Rider helps student-athletes and their families navigate recruiting with a trusted partner by their side.
 
About the NCEA
A non-profit corporation, the NCEA is a governing body to advance the sport of equestrian. The NCEA is responsible for the development and administration of equestrian rules and guidelines. Equestrian is subject to all NCAA policies and procedures in the same manner as other sports. In 1998, Equestrian was identified and adopted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Committee on Women's Athletics (CWA) as an emerging sport for women at the Division I and II levels. 
 
NCEA competitions are in a head-to-head format, and schools may choose to compete as a single or dual discipline team (Jumping Seat and Western). Each discipline has two events: in Jumping Seat, Fences and Flat, and in Western, Horsemanship and Reining. Teams can have five riders per event, with horses assigned by random draw at the start of the competition. Riders from opposing teams compete on the same horse, and whichever rider receives the higher score earns one point for her team. The level of difficulty is demonstrated by the accuracy of the pattern and how the competitor uses the horse to the best of her ability.
 
To stay up to date all year long on all things NCEA Equestrian, follow the organization on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @NCEA_Equestrian and @ncea_eq.