Horse Judging Team

WT Horse Judging Team

About the Team

The West Texas A&M University Horse Judging Team carries a proud legacy of championship success, excellence, and leadership in the equine industry. Open to undergraduate students from all majors, the program combines a tradition of competitive achievement with a commitment to student growth. Through hands-on practice and competition at some of the nation’s premier equine events, students evaluate a variety of horse breeds and disciplines while strengthening their skills in oral reasons, public speaking, critical thinking, and decision-making. Team members connect with industry leaders, explore career opportunities, and build lasting relationships with teammates and fellow competitors. Representing WT means contributing to a championship tradition while developing the confidence, professionalism, and work ethic to succeed in the equine industry and beyond.

Contests

In the fall, the competes in the following contests:

APHA Horse IQ Judging Contest in Fort Worth, TX
The All-American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio
National Reining Horse Association Judging Contest in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Arabian National in Tulsa, Oklahoma
National Cutting Horse Association in Fort Worth, Texas
AQHA World Show in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

In the spring, the team competes at:

National Horse Judging Team Coaches' Association Spring Sweepstakes (location varies)
National Reined Cow Horse Judging Contest Fort Worth, Texas

Additionally, the team helps host and organize several judging contests across the state of Texas.

Awards

Since 1994, the WTAMU Horse Judging Team has earned 140 National and World Champion or Reserve Champion titles. This includes 77 Champion and 62 Reserve Champion titles for both individuals and teams.

Meet the Coaches

Head Coach Dr. Christy Petry-Adams is originally from Weatherford, Texas, where she acquired a diverse background in showing livestock and developed a passion for horse judging. She graduated from North Central Texas College with an Associate of Applied Science and a Sustainable Agriculture Certificate in 2015. She went on to Texas Tech University and received a Bachelor and a Master of Science in Agricultural and Applied Economics. She completed her college career in 2021, earning a Doctor of Education in Agricultural Education. Currently, she serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Agricultural Business & Economics at West Texas A&M University. She has been coaching, judging, and involved in the equine industry for over fifteen years. She has made significant contributions as a coach, notably playing a pivotal role in coaching the 2021 AQHA World Show Champion College Horse Judging Team for Texas Tech University. Additionally, she coaches one of the most decorated youth horse judging programs, Texas Elite. She took over the legendary Horse Judging program in December 2023 at West Texas A&M University and has already led the team to multiple champion and reserve champion titles.

Assistant Coach Rylee McKinney grew up on a small ranch in Brady, Texas where her family runs a wether-bred show goat operation. In 2025, she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Texas Tech University. During her time there, she competed as a member of the TTU horse judging team and was awarded the high point individual title in the senior college division at the 2022 American Quarter Horse Association World Show. At WTAMU, Rylee is working towards a M.S. in Animal Science, evaluating the effects of embryo splitting on the post-thaw viability and developmental potential of cryopreserved caprine embryos under in vitro culture conditions. In the future, Rylee plans to work in the realm of assisted reproductive technologies in small ruminants and obtain her AQHA All-Around card to balance both interests.

Assistant Coach Simone Allen is originally from Lebanon, Tennessee where she grew up with a passion for agriculture. She obtained her B.S. in Agribusiness, with a minor in Political Science Pre-Law from Middle Tennessee State University in 2025, where she was also a member of the multiple-time champion and reserve champion IHSA equestrian team, horse judging team, and ranch horse team. Currently, Simone is pursuing a M.S. in Agriculture with a concentration in Agricultural Business and Economics from West Texas A&M University while serving as an assistant coach for the horse judging team. Outside of WT, she enjoys being heavily involved in the equine industry through scribing for associations such as AQHA and SHTX. Additionally, she enjoys showing in the versatility ranch horse events, favoring the ranch riding and cow-horse.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I join the Horse Judging Team?

Students interested in joining are encouraged to contact the coaching staff to learn about preparation, coursework, and opportunities to compete.

Do I need previous horse judging experience?

Previous judging experience can be beneficial, but students from a variety of equine backgrounds are encouraged to express interest. A willingness to learn, strong work ethic, and dedication to improving are important qualities for prospective team members.

Do I have to be an Animal Science major?

No! Students from any undergraduate major at West Texas A&M University may pursue opportunities with the Horse Judging Team. The program brings together students with different academic interests who share a passion for the equine industry.

Why should I choose WTAMU for horse judging?

WTAMU offers a tradition of competitive excellence, experienced coaching, and opportunities to learn from professionals throughout the equine industry. Students become part of a program that emphasizes work, personal growth, professional development, and representing West Texas A&M University at the national level.

Are scholarships available for Horse Judging Team members?

Yes! Scholarship opportunities are available for students involved with the WTAMU Horse Judging Team. Scholarships are awarded based on factors including previous judging experience, team participation, demonstrated commitment, and work ethic. We encourage prospective students to contact the coaching staff to learn more about available scholarship opportunities.

Follow the Team

Facebook: West Texas A&M University Horse Judging