98 SIDELINES FEBRUARY 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
C
owgirls and the state of Texas go hand in hand,
but sometimes Texas girls turn in their cowboy
hats for a riding helmet and take the show jumping
world by storm. Meagan Nusz is one of those riders. The
25-year-old from The Woodlands, Texas won the Show
Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series Amateur-
Owner Eastern Division for 2012.
Meagan topped the division aboard her horse Vesuvius, a
10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding. With several top fnishes
over the course of the season, Meagan earned an astonishing
1208.33 points, almost 500 points more than the second-place
fnisher. Twice she was honored as the Show Jumping Hall of
Fame Rider of the Month, in March and again in October.
Meagan started her riding career Texas-style, with a Quarter
Horse barrel-racing pony – but as foreshadowing for the rest of
her life, she taught him how to jump. “The horses were always
my life and they were all I thought about. I couldn’t wait to get out
to the barn every day after school. My parents made me try other
things such as softball, gymnastics, soccer, cheerleading and art
classes, but all I ever wanted to do was ride,” Meagan said.
Who do you train with?
I ride with Kent Farrington. We split our time between Wellington
and Lexington, Kentucky. I have been riding with him for two-and-
a-half years. He is not only my trainer, but also my friend and
someone for whom I have a great deal of respect. He is a great
mentor and he really understands how badly I want to be the very
best I can be when it comes to my riding.
Tell us about your horse and your relationship with him.
Vesuvius, affectionately known as “Super Suvi,” is a once-in-a-
lifetime horse. He is truly the light of my life. He has the personality
of a human and makes me laugh every day. He loves to eat
bananas—peel and all! We call him the jock of the barn because
he has an attitude like “everyone look at me I’m the best!” I have
never ridden a horse as passionate about his job as Suvi. Every
time I go into the ring I know we are both in there for the same
goal…to win!
What was your reaction to winning the Show Jumping Hall of
Fame Series?
I am so honored to have won such a prestigious title. I think it’s
something that you defnitely want on your resume. It really makes
the year feel worth it and complete. I thought it was very special to
have the award presented in Kentucky at the National Horse Show.
Having George Morris, who is an incredible equestrian icon, there
to honor us and take a picture was a very special experience. I
think the Hall of Fame Series is great and wonderful for young
riders who aspire to become like the many amazing riders who
have been inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame.
Meagan Nusz, winner of the 2012 Show Jumping Hall of Fame
Jumper Classic Series Amateur-Owner Eastern Division, shows
off her Texas roots with her cowboy boots.
Meagan jumps her way into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame.
Show Jumping
Hall of Fame
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