Nov. 16, 2011

DALLAS (SMU) - The No. 10 SMU equestrian team announced the signing of Alex Butterworth, Paulena Johnson and Schaefer Raposa today.

"This is a top-notch, well-rounded recruiting class," head coach Haley Schoolfield said. "Our team has performed very well this season, and these riders will only help the talented team we have in place."

Johnson, a native of Bristol, Va., will join the Mustangs for the 2012 spring season. Earlier this year, she was in the winner in the High Amateur Owner Jumpers at the Hampton Classic. Johnson took top honors at the 2009 Governor's Cup. She also won the Washington International Horse Show and was the reserve champion at the Devon Horse Show in 2006.

"We are excited to welcome Paulena to the Hilltop this coming January," Schoolfield said. "Paulena's experience and success at the top of her field will add depth to our roster and our team."

Butterworth, a native of Greenville, N.C., is set to join the team for the 2012-13 season. She has won countless championships across the U.S. on catch rides.

"Alex's experience training her own mounts as well as her success catch riding horses and ponies across the country will make her invaluable to our team," Schoolfield said. "The ability to get on a horse and ride from feel is priceless. We are can't wait for Alex to arrive at SMU in August of 2013."

Raposa, a native of Clinton, N.Y., is also set to join the squad for the 2012-13 season. She was the winner of the 2011 USEF Medal Finals. Raposa placed eighth in the 2011 Maclay Finals and third in the 2011 USEF Show Jumping Talent Search.

"Coach Burton and I are thrilled to welcome Schaefer to campus," Schoolfield said. "She is one of the top recruits nationally, and her record this fall alone speaks for itself, but Schaefer has the experience, talent, knowledge and confidence to make a tremendous college athlete. We are honored to add her to our roster in August."

Johnson and the Mustangs will resume competition on Feb. 3 against No. 2 Texas A&M at BuckBranch Farm.