WT Horse Judging Team Takes Second at OKC Contest

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

CANYON, Texas — West Texas A&M University’s Horse Judging team rode away with a fourth reserve championship of the season at a recent competition.

The team took second at the National Reining Horse Association Judging Contest, held Dec. 2-3 in Oklahoma City.

This season, the team earned reserve championships in October at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress in Ohio, Nov. 11 at the American Quarter Horse Association World Show in Oklahoma City, and Nov. 21 at the National Cutting Horse Association Judging contest in Fort Worth.

“This season may have brought a string of reserves, but it also showed just how consistent and dependable our team truly is,” said Dr. Christy Petry-Adams, coach and clinical assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Sciences in the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences. “We’re stepping into the new year with momentum, and next year’s team has already begun preparing.”

Individual rankings included Leah Tate, a senior agricultural business and economics major from Wimberley, in seventh; Ethan Hendrix, a sophomore animal science major from Stephenville, in 11th, and Shelby Perkins, a senior equine industry and business major from Amarillo, in 12th.

Team members also included Charli Wells, a sophomore animal science / pre-vet major from Holdrege, Nebraska, and Willow Stanfield, a sophomore equine industry and business major from Geneva, Illinois.

The WT team came in second between two squads from Texas A&M University and outscored teams from Kansas State University and Middle Tennessee State University.

The team’s spring competition dates have yet to be set.

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. 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 won a reserve championship at the 2025 National Reining Horse Association Judging Contest. Pictured are, from left, Assistant Coach Lyndi Starr, Willow Stanfield, Charli Wells, Leah Tate, Shelby Perkins, Ethan Hendrix and Coach Dr. Christy Petry-Adams.

—WT—