WT Equestrian Team Still Undefeated Following Home Contest

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

CANYON, Texas — West Texas A&M University’s Equestrian Team remains undefeated following action Nov. 22 and 23.

The western-seat team took home first on both days of competition at its home contest in the WT Horse Center.

“This is incredible considering the top-notch universities we compete against,” coach Lori Jaixen said. “The sweep is a true testament of the students’ drive, hard work and love for the sport.”

Peyton Podmolik, a junior animal science major from Pella, Iowa, was high-point rider Nov. 22. On Nov. 23, Helene Keiser, a senior animal science major from Gotenburg, Nebraska, and Ashton Hollingsworth, a senior equine industry and business major from Rosharon, tied for high-point rider.

Miranda Whitten, a senior animal science major from Durango, Colorado, also qualified for the spring’s regional competition, set for Feb. 22 at New Mexico State University.

The team also had 13 other individual wins: Isla Anderson, a sophomore psychology major from Elbert, Colorado; Jenna Arens, a sophomore equine industry and business major from Shawano, Wisconsin; Camryn Barton, a sophomore agricultural media and communication major from Amarillo; Marina Carroll, a junior nursing major from Grand Junction, Colorado; Keiser; Myleigh Lindsey, a senior equine industry and business major from Pensacola, Oklahoma; Podmolik; Elizabeth Ross, a sophomore equine industry and business major from Rosharon; Madalynn Schmidt, a sophomore agriculture education major from Bridgman, Michigan; and Whitten.

Team members also include Caoihme Benn-Rothstein, a senior animal science / pre-vet major from Peyton, Colorado; Kaitlyn Evans, a senior mechanical engineering major from Valley View; Kaylen Langhofer, a junior animal science major from Plains, Kansas; Alaina Scher, a senior equine industry and business major from Pflugerville; Kamdyn Schubert, freshman agriculture education major from Edmond, Oklahoma; Willow Stanfield, a sophomore equine industry and business major from Geneva, Illinois; Jayden Stater, a sophomore animal science / pre-vet major from Bushland; Leah Tate, a senior agricultural business and economics major from Wimberley; Mikah Wareham, a freshman agricultural business and economics major from Norwood, Colorado; Charli Wells, a sophomore animal science / pre-vet major from Holdrege, Nebraska; Thea Whitmore, a freshman agribusiness major from Orange, Massachusetts; and Bailey Wormstadt, a sophomore animal science / pre-vet major from Troy.

WT’s equestrian teams are an example of the University’s responsiveness to the Texas Panhandle, as outlined 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. 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: Members of the West Texas A&M University Equestrian Team are, back from left, Jenna Arens, Helene Keiser, Miranda Whitten, Brooke Forsse, Camryn Barton, Leah Tate, Ashton Hollingsworth, Peyton Podmolik, Thea Whitmore, Mikah Wareham, Myleigh Lindsey, Charli Wells, Madalynn Schmidt, Idalia Warren, Isla Anderson and Coach Lori Jaixen; middle from left, Kaitlyn Evans, Marina Carroll, Kamdyn Schubert, Violet Hodgson, Kaylen Langhofer, Alaina Scher, Johanna Anderson, Samantha Taylor, Hannah Minton, Lexi Woestman, Helen March, Hana Craycraft, Amber Cox, Elizabeth Ross, Simone Allen; and, front from left, Bailey Wormstadt, Sarah Johnson, Caoimhe Benn-Rothstein, Catherine Borchardt, Itzel Alvarez, Sabrina Welch, Emma Thomas, Muireann Benn-Rothstein, Willow Stanfield and Jayden Stater.

—WT—