story by Lindsay Humphrey
Focused. It’s easily the best word to describe Caroline Thomas. Couple that with a relentless work ethic, a wicked fast loop and a heart for learning and this Elk City, Oklahoma, cowgirl is pretty well summed up. “I used to do all of the events, but it’s difficult to get good at all of them and be consistent, so I narrowed my events down to breakaway and goats because I liked them best,” said the 18-year-old. “I was getting burnt out on goat tying when I came across cow horse at high school nationals in Guthrie two years ago.” Caroline’s parents – Josh and Chrisit – encouraged all three of their daughters to focus their efforts on two events in the OHSRA.
“Cow horse has been a whole new world for all of us. It’s so much more of a performance and there’s a lot more horsemanship involved in it. I like that it’s based on a score rather than time. It was a good change.” This is only Caroline’s second year in the event. It’s been the change she didn’t know she needed as a horsewoman. “I love that you get to work with a cow as well as do a reining pattern. And then practicing is so much fun; I’m constantly learning something new.” Fellow OHSRA competitor Gage Gardiner first introduced Caroline to the event. His family has been instrumental in developing Caroline’s skills in it. As she’s searching for her next great cow horse, Caroline is focused on the road ahead. She’s looking forward to taking this new horse not only to high school rodeos but also to some bigger cow horse events in Texas.
Bound for Oklahoma State University in the fall, Caroline is following in the footsteps of her older sister, Abigail, in more ways than one. “I’m going to be studying interior design just like Aby is doing right now. After I graduate, we’re thinking about starting something together because we have the same taste and think we could work well together.” The three Thomas sisters have always gotten along well. Perhaps rodeo is to thank for the camaraderie. “We’re all two years apart and when we were all at home still, we’d watch each other practice and help point things out that we might have missed. Now it’s just me and Georgia (16) at home, but we still have fun. Sisters are like built in coaches.” Caroline plans to join the newly formed ranch horse team at OSU while exploring her talent as a singer. She plays the guitar, mandolin and fiddle. She’s started giving song writing a go and is optimistic she’ll grow that skill.
Blessed with two overwhelmingly supportive parents, Caroline said she hit the jackpot with them. “Like most rodeo families, my parents have done everything in their power to support us all. Even when I wanted to start a new event as a junior, they were supportive.” Caroline’s mom grew up riding horses but didn’t get involved in rodeo until her kids started. “My mom is always in the arena helping us practice. She knows just as much as we do and can even coach us even though she never competed. We’ve improved so much because of her and how dedicated she is. She pushes us but doesn’t pressure us and make it miserable.” Josh isn’t much of a rider, or one at all, but he’s been a huge part of Caroline’s rodeo career. He’s the official videographer and has been known to give the best pep talks. “My dad loves cow horse because he videos everything for us and he said it’s more fun to video that because I’m out there for five minutes not just two seconds. They’ve been there always and loved it just as much as we have.”
Even though living in western Oklahoma makes traveling to OHSRA events a little more difficult, it’s been Caroline’s favorite association to compete in so far. “High school narrows the competition down to people who will really challenge you. Everyone is at a high enough level that it makes it more difficult.” Caroline appreciates how hard everyone in the association works to cultivate a welcoming environment while still promoting tough competition. “I have loved the people that run it and everyone that I compete against. Everyone is so helpful and nice; you can ask anyone to push a calf and they won’t hesitate to help. The people make it a lot of fun.”
