Alex Bumpus - She Set A New Standard In Equitation

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By Sarah Gee
© Voice, January 2007

Four world championships and two world grand championships, it’s a record of which any exhibitor would be proud. However, when you consider that the holder of these titles is only 18 years old and that all of the titles have been earned in Equitation, one of the most challenging disciplines in not only the walking horse industry, but the entire equestrian world, it is truly remarkable. Alex Bumpus is one of the most accomplished all-around young horsewomen that our industry has ever had the privilege to know.

Born in Texas and raised primarily in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Alex was horse crazy from the start. She started riding at nine years of age when her parents bought her a horse and arranged for lessons with renowned instructor Faye Lynn Coffey. Since the beginning, at the urging of Faye Lynn who quickly recognized something special in her young pupil, Alex has focused her efforts on the Equitation division. She began competing in Equitation classes at the age of 11 and by age 14, when she won her first world titles, she was widely recognized as one of the top young equestrians in our industry. Time and time again, whether aboard her beloved Settle The Score or another mount, Alex has proven herself worthy of the accolades she has received.

In the winner’s circle at the Celebration for the past four years, Alex has cemented her place in our breed’s history. In 2003, she claimed both the Auxiliary Equitation Medal 12-14 World Championship and the Auxiliary Equitation Medal World Grand Championship. The following year, she debuted in a new age division by claiming the Auxiliary Equitation Medal 15-17 World Championship before earning her second Auxiliary Equitation Medal World Grand Championship. 2005 saw Alex claim her second Auxiliary Equitation Medal 15-17 World Championship; it was her third straight world championship. In 2006, Alex became the only Equitation competitor to win the world championship in her age division all three years that she was eligible by riding to her third consecutive Auxiliary Equitation Medal 15-17 World Championship. Her final appearance in the 15-17 Equitation division at the Celebration had brought her a fourth world championship.

In addition to her impressive six world titles, Alex has garnered numerous other honors including Walking Horse Trainers’ Association Auxiliary High Point Awards in 2004, 2005, and 2006, and Walking Horse Owners’ Association Equitation High Point Awards in 2005 and 2006. She won a total of three TWHBEA^SM Equitation Challenge Championships in 2006 and earned the Tennessee Walking Horse Youth Association’s 12-17 Equitation High Point award. She is a two time People’s Voice Equitation 15-17 Rider of the Year and Overall Equitation Rider of the Year and she has been honored multiple times as the Walking Horse Report Reader’s Choice Equitation Rider of the Year.

While she has experienced great success in the walking horse industry, Alex has also excelled in both Quarter Horses and 4-H. Showing Quarter Horses, she has been successful in both Stock Seat Equitation and Hunt Seat Equitation. In 4-H, she has achieved top honors in just about every Equitation division. She is the 2005 recipient of the University of Tennessee’s Merit of Achievement Award, which is given to only one person per state each year.

Of course, as she is quick to admit, support and guidance have played a large role in Alex’s success. She has been fortunate to benefit from the support of her parents, Tom and Angie Bumpus, and the guidance of her instructor, Faye Lynn Coffey. Expressing her gratitude to Faye Lynn, Alex declares, “I would like to thank Faye Lynn for everything she’s ever done for me. She is the best instructor.”

Discussing her gifted student, Faye Lynn relates, “What I would like people to know about Alex is how much she loves her horses. She truly has a passion for them. She is very dedicated to equitation and she really believes in it. I would also like people to know about her versatility as a rider. She has excelled in Flat Shod English and Western as well as Performance. She has also had success with Quarter Horses and Hunters. She is truly an all-around horsewoman.”

A freshman at Motlow State Community College with plans to attend either the University of Tennessee or Middle Tennessee State University; Alex has no plans to curtail her equestrian activities. Regarding her future, Alex states, “I don’t ever want to stop riding, I plan on showing in Adult Equitation in 2007.”

Over the past several years, the name Alex Bumpus has become synonymous with Equitation in the walking horse industry. Her story is an inspiration to countless youngsters starting out in competition. While she has not always won the blue ribbon, she has always performed with grace, style, and good sportsmanship and she has never given up. Hers is a story of perseverance and dedication. No doubt, great things await her in the future both in and out of the show ring.