July 20, 2017
By: Margaret Hurt
Kelsey Jung joined the Auburn equestrian team in 2016 as a transfer student and immediately became a leader on the team. Jung also became a source of encouragement and support for her new teammates as well as a frequent part of the Horsemanship lineup.
In her first season with the Tigers Jung started in 12 meets, scoring a season best 75.5 against then-No. 2 Texas A&M and winning her point in both the SEC championship semifinal. This summer, the Utah native has been traveling and successfully showing her horses on circuits in Las Vegas and in Del Mar, Calif., where she won Reserve Circuit Champion in Horsemanship at both shows. Jung is currently enjoying her time showing and spending time with her family before she returns to Auburn in August to start the fall season.
What's been your favorite success so far this summer?
"My favorite success was at the Western States Championship in Las Vegas. Both my horses were champs, Wade was the best he's ever been in the Horsemanship. Ivan and I competed in the equitation for his first time and came out with two third-place finishes in a tough Amateur class. The show altogether was a great show for me and my boys. It gave me great confidence that we are ready for NSBA world in the upcoming month."
What's the best thing about being back on your own horses for a while?
"The best thing about riding my own horses is knowing how and what I can do to make them better. I love connecting with them and learning how I can ride them to mine and their best potential. I love being able to see them every day so I can spoil them. They aren't just something I compete on, I love them with all my heart."
Do you think your riding style has changed any after practicing and competing at Auburn for a year?
"Yes, 100 percent. I ride every ride like it's my last, leaving everything out on the table. Before Auburn, I would slack off every now and then. People at shows have even commented on how I'm a much stronger rider then before. Some of the trainers were even having their youth watch me to give them a visual of how you should look in Horsemanship, which was an awesome compliment. It lets me know that all my hard work has paid off."
What is your favorite class to compete in and why?
"I have always loved Horsemanship. I couldn't tell you the exact time I fell in love with the class, but it has always been the class I practiced the most at home. I always wanted to excel in it. I would spend countless hours watching some of my favorite riders (one of them being former Auburn rider Danielle Long) in the stands figuring out how I could ride like them. Luckily, my parents/trainers caught on and helped both me and my horses become the best we could be."
Do you still get nervous when you go into big classes or have important rides? What do you do to calm down?
"When I showed in Vegas I got a little nervous because of the people that I was competing against. I knew I wasn't going to be able to slack off in the slightest. I've grown up knowing that in practice I am never good enough but on meet/show day I am perfect. Before, I went in to my world show pattern my dad told me, 'Kelsey, you have to go into the pen and win this by 10 points because you're a no-name from somewhere in Utah.' And that's exactly what I did. Now every time I step into an arena that's what I tell myself. I don't like giving the judges an option on who they should have in their first-place pick. These things help me to get rid of my nerves."
What have you missed about being in Auburn?
"I miss my Auburn family. I know that every girl on our team has my back and that if I needed them they would be there without a question. I can't wait to get back in the saddle with them."
What are looking forward to most this coming season with AUET?
"I am looking forward to our successful season that's about to come. We are the dream team this coming season and every team knows it. I can't wait to prove it. War Eagle!"