Equine Team | 11/26/2024 8:00:00 AM
The Oklahoma Panhandle State University Equestrian Team made an impressive showing at the last show of the fall season at West Texas A&M University, traveling with a team of 12 riders who competed in 30 classes. Despite challenges with practice and weather conditions the team's resilience and determination paid off as they brought home 25 class placings, including the coveted Reserve High Point Team title. Strong Individual Performances Lead to Team Success
Among the standout performances was Eva Johnson, who claimed first place in the Open Reining class with an impressive score of 71.
Paige Pearson, competing in her third ever Rookie Horsemanship class, earned a second-place finish with a pattern score of 72, showcasing her progress after moving up from the Beginner Horsemanship division.
Katelynn Skinner secured second place in the Level 1 Horsemanship class, impressing the judges with a pattern score of 76. Additionally, Kayla Johnson contributed another second-place finish in Level 1 Horsemanship with a pattern score of 72.5.
Other key contributors to the team's success included Jolina Demann and Abigail Young, who both competed in Beginner Horsemanship; Ashlyn Eisenman and Nahomy Corral-Olivas, who competed in Rookie Horsemanship; Kayla Rhoads, who competed in Level 2 Horsemanship and Ranch Riding; and Mitchell Ullom, who competed in Level 2 Horsemanship and Reining.
Coach Kacey Ward expressed immense pride in the team's performance, despite the setbacks from the weather. "The team had an incredible show this weekend, and I couldn't be more proud of their hard work and dedication, it paid off," said Ward. "A huge thank you goes out to Susan Tullock for all of her hard work and help with the team. We couldn't be this successful without all of her support and added knowledge."
The OPSU Equestrian Team's outstanding results at WTAMU reflect the dedication and perseverance of its riders, coaches, and supporters. Their performance is a testament to their commitment to excellence. With the Reserve High Point Team title in hand, the team looks forward to continued success in upcoming competitions next spring.
