WT Horse Judging Team Opens Season with Reserve Championship

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

CANYON, Texas — West Texas A&M University’s Horse Judging team was a close second at its kickoff competition of the fall season.

The team ranked closely behind the champion Texas A&M University at the American Paint Horse Association HorseIQ Collegiate World Championship, held Sept. 28 in Fort Worth

“I’m incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication our team has shown to kick off the season with such a strong performance, winding up as reserve champion by only a few points,” said Dr. Christy Petry-Adams, clinical assistant professor of animal science and horse judging coach. “This is just the beginning, and if we keep up the momentum, I know even greater things are ahead for us this year.”

WT’s Maroon squad also tied for first in reason, second in halter and third in performance. The White squad also placed in the Top 10 across the board.

Individually, Karlee M. Frank, a junior animal science major from Conway, Arkansas, ranked second overall, first in reason, second in halter and third in performance.

Aislin McStay, a junior agricultural media and communication major from Liberty Hill, ranked eighth overall, fourth in halter, eighth in reason and 10th in performance. Andrea Byrd, a junior animal science major from Harrison, Arkansas, ranked ninth overall, eighth in performance, 12th in halter and 13th in reason.

Also placing highly were Katelynn M. Horn, a junior animal science major from Springdale, Arkansas, who placed 11th in reason; and Laney Gates, a junior agriculture education major from Clarendon, who placed 13th in halter. Also competing were Chloe Hamaker, a senior agricultural media and communication major from Van Wert, Iowa; and Zachary T. Rich, a junior agriculture education major from Capitan, New Mexico.

WT defeated teams from Oklahoma State University, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M University and Penn State University, among others.

The team will next compete Oct 16 at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress.

WT’s horse judging teams are one of the ways the University is responsive to regional needs, as set out in its 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: West Texas A&M University's horse judging team was named reserve champion at the recent American Paint Horse Association HorseIQ Collegiate World Championship. Picture are, from left, Lyndi Starr, assistant coach; Haley Bucher, junior coach; Andrea Byrd; Chloe Hamaker; Karlee Frank; Laney Gates; Katelynn Horn; Zachary Rich; Aislin McStay; Addison Shireman, junior coach; and Dr. Christy Adams.

—WT—