Equine Team | 2/25/2025 10:37:00 AM

The Oklahoma Panhandle State University  Equestrian Team wrapped up their season's final show with a strong performance at the Windy Western Show, hosted by New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM. The team placed third overall in high-point standings, just one point away from Reserve High Point Team honors.

Several OPSU riders delivered standout performances. Paige Pearson secured first place in Rookie A Horsemanship, earning a level-up to Rookie B Horsemanship. Jolina Demann placed second in Rookie Horsemanship in her first show since leveling up from Beginner Horsemanship. Eva Johnson had a stellar ride in Open Reining, earning first place and securing her qualification for the upcoming Regional Championship Show. Eva also placed third in the Open Horsemanship.

Kayla Rhoades also had a highly successful show, placing second in Level 2 Ranch Riding and Level 2 Horsemanship. Her consistency and Eva Johnson's strong showing led to both riders tying for third place in the high-point rider standings for the competition. Kayla Johnson added to the team's success by securing a second-place finish in Level 1 Ranch Riding and fifth place in Level 1 horsemanship.

Additional notable class placings included Ashlyn Eisenman's sixth place in Rookie A Horsemanship, Nahomy Corral-Olivas's 5th in Rookie B Horsemanship, Mitchell Ullom's fifth place in Level 2 Horsemanship, and fourth place in Open Reining, and Katelynn Skinner's fifth place in Level 1 Ranch Riding and seventh place Level 1 Horsemanship.

The team celebrated a successful conclusion to their season and looks forward to building on their momentum for the next competitive year. Coach Kacey Ward expressed her pride in the team, stating, "I could not be more proud to coach such an amazing set of students. Their dedication and hard work have paid off in their individual placings and the team's overall performance throughout the year."