The conference, which is sponsoring the sport for the first time this season, issued the inaugural honors for the month of October after a vote of the league's head coaches.
Nowacek, a junior from San Antonio, went undefeated on the month and led A&M to wins over Georgia, New Mexico State and TCU. She averaged scores of 75.5 on three rides and picked up two MVP accolades in victories against Georgia and at NMSU. Her MVP award against New Mexico State was her fourth in a row, tying a school record.
Bernbaum, a sophomore from Dufur, Ore., also went undefeated in October, leading A&M to wins over Georgia, New Mexico State and TCU. She averaged scores of 71.3 on three rides and picked up two MVP awards in victories against UGA and at NMSU.
Oklahoma State's Ali Rose and Baylor's Lisa Goldman shared Fences rider of the month honors, while Kansas State's Meredith Finch was tabbed Flat rider of the month.
Nowacek, Bernbaum and the second-ranked Aggies return to the ring this weekend for their final home show of the fall. Texas A&M will host rival Oklahoma State on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Brazos County Expo Complex, and admission is free.
October Big 12 Rider of the Month Award Winners
Horsemanship: Carey Nowacek, Texas A&M
Reining: Lindsey Bernbaum, Texas A&M
Fences: Lisa Goldman, Baylor; Ali Rose, Oklahoma State
Flat: Meredith Finch, Kansas State