DeVencenty Using Old Lesson to Thrive at TCU

By Marcus Hill
Pueblo Chieftan

Show of hands from anyone who knew collegiate equestrian was a thing?

For a brief period, Natalia DeVencenty didn't know it was an NCAA sport.

After learning of it, though, DeVencenty parlayed her talent into an educational opportunity at Texas Christian University on a full ride.

And not just on a horse.

"I wasn't expecting (a full-ride scholarship) so when I came to TCU they told me and I was like 'What?! OK!' and that pretty much sealed the deal," DeVencenty said. "How could you say no? I committed while I was on my visit."

DeVencenty has more than 13 years of training with horses which began at age 5 when her parents, Rocky and Jamie DeVencenty, purchased a hunter/jumper horse.

Jamie trained her for a while before "she outgrew my ability" and provided Natalia with another trainer.

Mom isn't out of the picture, however.

She continues to teach Natalia about the responsibility and commitment with a horse. Lessons Jamie says her daughter still uses at TCU.

"It's not just a hobby, it's a lifestyle. When you're in it there's a lot of road you travel," Jamie DeVencenty said. "… I think she's learned how to handle life by being involved with the horses because every day is different. You have to be resilient and responsible, but the reward is unbelievable."

Natalia agrees.

Especially with lessons she learned from her 16-year-old quarter horse Chex is the Choice.

"He taught me how to pick up the pace, how to work hard, a lot of patience and how to win gracefully," Natalia DeVencenty said. "He's taught me way more outside of the arena than he has on the inside that's for sure. He's given me a lot of drive, patience and humility for sure.

"If I messed up or did something wrong he'd always come out and he was never mad about it. He was always willing to work harder and that pushed me to be my best as well."

TCU provides horses to all athletes, which means Chex is at home and DeVencenty has to build chemistry with a new horse.

But that's no issue.

DeVencenty did that – in five days – during the American Quarter Horse Association World Cup where she won an individual gold in horsemanship for Team USA in July in College Station, Texas.

She also won gold in the horsemanship category at the AQHYA World Show and was reserve champion in the trail competition in August in Oklahoma City, Okla.

DeVencenty used those experiences to provide a spark for the Horned Frogs, who rank No. 6 in the nation.

In all three of TCU's meets, DeVencenty has defeated her opponent in horsemanship competition.

In the Horned Frog's most recent competition against No. 3 Texas A&M, Natalia used her horse, Jack, to earn a 75.5-74.5 win against the Red Raiders.

TCU's next competition is in Waco, Texas on Oct. 27 at Baylor University.

For now, she'll continue to learn lessons, inside and out of competition.

"It's tiring and there's a lot to do," DeVencenty said, "but overall, it's pretty fun."

Link to story: https://www.chieftain.com/sports/natalia-devencenty-using-old-lesson-to-thrive-at-tcu/article_a761242e-caa9-11e8-932d-73457c9db727.html

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