WT Horse Judging Team Takes Second at All-American Contest

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

CANYON, Texas — The West Texas A&M University Horse Judging team earned a reserve championship at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress in Ohio.

The team placed second overall, second in reasons, third in halter and third in performance at the contest.

“I’m incredibly proud of how hard this team has worked and the growth they’ve shown this season,” said Dr. Christy Adams, clinical assistant professor of animal science and horse judging coach. “As we prepare for the AQHA World Show on Nov. 11, we’re excited, motivated and hungry to finish strong.”

Individually, Madilynn Campbell, a junior animal science / pre-vet major from Big Cabin, Oklahoma, placed third overall, fifth in halter, fourth in performance and seventh in reasons.

Kurtlee Smith, a sophomore equine industry and business major from Athens, placed second in halter and sixth in reasons. Caoimhe Benn-Rothstein, a senior animal science / pre-vet major from Peyton, Colorado, placed 15th overall, eighth in performance and fifth in reasons.

Bella Bridges, a sophomore agribusiness major from Brownsboro, placed fourth in reasons, and Abigail Wiles, a sophomore agriculture education major from Lincoln, Arkansas, placed 11th in reasons.

In the limited division, Charli Wells, a sophomore animal science / pre-vet major from Holdrege, Nebraska, placed fifth overall, first in halter, 11th in performance and ninth in reasons.

Also competing was Nathan Allison, a junior equine industry and business major from Guthrie, Oklahoma.

At the contest, held Oct. 15 in Columbus, Ohio, the WT team defeated squads from Oklahoma State University, Penn State University and Kansas State University, among others.

The team also is coached by assistant coaches Rylee McKinney, a graduate student in animal science from Brady; Simone Allen, a graduate student agriculture from Lebanon, Tennessee; and Lyndi Starr, a graduate student in agriculture from Mount Vernon.

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 has raised more than $175 million and will continue through 2025.

About West Texas A&M University

A Regional Research University, West Texas A&M 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. A Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, WT boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. WT recently earned a Carnegie Foundation classification as a Research College and University. The University also is 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 16 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

Photo: The West Texas A&M University Horse Judging team took home a reserve championship from the All-American Quarter Horse Congress in Ohio. Pictured are, from left, assistant coach Simone Allen, assistant coach Rylee McKinney, Bella Bridges, Abigail Wiles, Caoimhe Benn-Rothstein, Madilynn Campbell, Kurtlee Smith, Nathan Allison, Charli Wells and coach Dr. Christy Petry-Adams.

—WT—