Equine Team | 2/26/2026 1:33:00 PM

Eva Johnson has made history yet again for Oklahoma Panhandle State Equestrian as the first rider to qualify for the Western Semi-Finals in reining in back-to-back seasons.

After a remarkably consistent year, placing near the top in every class she entered, Johnson officially secured her spot at the 2026 Western Semi-Finals with a standout performance in Open Reining at the Texas Tech University Equestrian Show. She narrowly missed claiming the year-end title but captured the Reserve Overall Championship in Open Reining, punching her ticket to the 2026 Western Semifinals.

The Semi-Finals will take place March 20–22 in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where Johnson will compete against riders from 24 different universities from across the country for a coveted spot at the National Championship in North Carolina this May. There, she will have a chance to make her second consecutive appearance on the national stage.

Johnson wasn't the only Aggie to shine this season. Mitchell Addison-Ullom earned an early qualification to the Regional Championship in Level 2 Western Horsemanship on Sunday, advancing him to Open Horsemanship competition. Ullom narrowly missed qualifying for the Semi-Finals, finishing fourth in the region, marking an impressive accomplishment in a highly competitive field.

Head Coach Kacey Ward expressed immense pride in both athletes.

"I am so proud of these two incredible athletes. Their finishes are a testament to their dedication to the team and their talented horsemanship. While I am disappointed Mitchell didn't qualify for the Semi-Finals, I am ecstatic to be headed back for the second year in a row with Eva. I know with hard work, both Mitchell and Eva will continue making history for OPSU."

With momentum building and history already made, the future looks bright for OPSU Equestrian.