The Texas A&M Varsity Equestrian Team may not have won the overall National Championship crown, but two of their top riders sure did put on a show in the individual championship bracket. Senior Caroline Gunn and freshman Carey Nowacek competed in a sudden death horsemanship run-off after the two tied in the first round.
In the end, it was the experienced Gunn who won her third consecutive individual national championship. Carey, still reeling from her exciting week, took in her first nationals experience with much excitement. “The intensity of the whole show was very high and that got me pumped. I love that kind of pressure!” said the poised freshman.
This year’s individual bracket was special not only because teammates competed head to head, but also because it was Caroline’s final collegiate ride and Carey’s first. However, these two are not strangers to the pressure of competition. Gunn is one of the most decorated riders on the AQHA circuit, and Nowacek is in her final year of a spectacular youth career.
The two riders had a lot to say about this history making championship show and where they are headed from here. “It was pretty incredible,” said Caroline. “The level of competition has gotten better and better each year, and I definitely felt like this year I had to give it my all, plus some, if I was going to beat Carey.”
After the two tied in the first round of the individual championship bracket, they each rode again, this time Carey rode first and Caroline rode second. According to Caroline, she loves to go second. “Ask any of my teammates, I am a nervous wreck when I show first.”
Another factor that makes Carey and Caroline so successful, is their down to earth humility. They are both quick to praise their coaches and teammates as an integral part of their success. Caroline said it well, “A huge part of this sport is support from your coach and team. I have been so fortunate to have teammates that are very talented, so I trust their opinions totally. We all want what’s best for the team. You can’t win eight National Championships if your team isn’t all on the same page.” One might expect both girls to take a few days off and wind down after such an exhausting week. Not these two! Just days after their collegiate competition, they could be found training hard and showing at the Texas Amateur Championship show in Waco.
So what does a 3-time national champion have left to accomplish? After she graduates in December, Caroline plans to accept a job with Cinch/Cruel Girl jeans and also to continue to show on the AQHA circuit with a new roster of horses. She hopes to qualify for her first Amateur World and embark on a successful Amateur career.
Carey, on the other hand, feels like she is just getting warmed up. After completing her first year of college, she plans to spend part of her summer in her hometown of San Antonio where she is certain to make time for some fun with her friends. However, don’t expect her to miss a horse show! This is her final Youth World, and she plans on going out on a high note.
If the 2010 Varsity Equestrian National championships are any indication of what is to come, the competition is more intense than ever. The patterns are harder to memorize, the judging more scrutinizing, and the sport is gaining more momentum. Varsity equestrian continues to expand. It is the dedicated riders showing on the varsity level, and the committed coaches from every university that have turned it into a wonderful opportunity for young equestrians everywhere.
