WT Horse Judging Team Continues Winning Ways

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — West Texas A&M University’s Horse Judging team scored another reserve championship at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress in Ohio.

The WT team placed second overall, second in performance, second in reason and fourth in halter at the contest, held Oct. 16 in Columbus, Ohio. The team also was reserve champion at the Sept. 28 American Paint Horse Association HorseIQ Collegiate World Championship.

“Consistency is the key to success,” said Dr. Christy Petry-Adams, clinical assistant professor of animal science and horse judging coach. “Being reserve champion at both contests is something to be proud of. We are going to keep working at it and still have high hopes of bringing home the national title in three weeks.”

Oklahoma State University’s team won the championship by just 27 points.

Individually, Andrea Byrd, a junior animal science major from Harrison, Arkansas, ranked fourth overall, second in halter, seventh in reason and ninth in performance.

Karlee M. Frank, a junior animal science major from Conway, Arkansas, ranked fifth overall, second in both performance and halter, and fourth in reason. Aislin McStay, a junior agricultural media and communication major from Liberty Hill, ranked eighth overall, second in reason, fourth in performance and 16th in halter.

Also competing were Chloe Hamaker, a senior agricultural media and communication major from Van Wert, Iowa; Katelynn M. Horn, a junior animal science major from Springdale, Arkansas; and Zachary T. Rich, a junior agriculture education major from Capitan, New Mexico.

WT defeated teams from Texas A&M University, University of Arkansas and Texas Tech University, among others.

The team will next compete Oct. 25 at the Arabian Nationals.

WT’s horse judging teams are one of the ways the University is responsive to regional needs, as set out in the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign’s new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised more than $160 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT, a Regional Research University, is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 58 undergraduate degree programs, one associate degree, and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

Photo: The West Texas A&M University Horse Judging team was named reserve champion at the recent All-American Quarter Horse Congress. Pictured are, from left, Lyndi Starr, assistant coach; Zachary Rich; Andrea Byrd; Katelynn Horn; Karlee Frank; Chloe Hamaker; Aislin McStay; Haley Bucher, junior coach; and Dr. Christy Adams, coach.

—WT—