Caroline Buchanan, a senior member of the Auburn University equestrian team, spoke on Mar. 30 about her experiences over four years with the program and her plans to pursue a career in dentistry.
Buchanan’s journey from Arizona to Alabama began alongside her sister, Kate Buchanan, who joined Auburn in 2020. Caroline followed two years later, inspired by their shared commitment to collegiate competition. “She and I have both helped each other and accomplished a lot with each other,” said Caroline. “She has definitely been a huge influence in my life.”
During her first season in 2022-23, Buchanan contributed wins at both the Southeastern Conference Championship and the National Collegiate Equestrian Association Final against Southern Methodist University. She credited these achievements to skills developed through riding: “Equestrian has definitely taught me a lot of responsibility and time management,” she said. “Growing up having to take care of horses matures you at such a young age.”
Balancing academics with athletics, Buchanan chose to major in biomedical sciences as she prepares for dental school—a path different from her sister’s agricultural business focus. She described how riding skills translate into manual dexterity needed for dentistry: “In a lot of my applications I talked about riding horses and ‘feel’, which is to know what the horse feels from which leg or hand movement we use…so it very much depends on the position of your body.”
Reflecting on sacrifices made while studying for dental admissions tests last summer, she recalled: “My parents would say come on the boat with us or come to the lake, and I would say, ‘I can’t, I have to study!’ It was all worth it in the end.” As graduation approaches this spring semester—her final as an undergraduate—Buchanan acknowledged its emotional weight: “Spring semester has definitely been very emotional,” she said. “I’ve probably cried after every meet and will until the end.”
Looking ahead to nationals with her teammates one last time before closing this chapter at Auburn, Buchanan emphasized gratitude for every moment spent competing: “The biggest thing is not taking anything for granted because it all goes by so fast,” she said.
