Texas A&M Ranch Horse Team Celebrates Legacy of Horsemanship and Student Development
Link to story received from media relations for Texas A&M AgriLife – Email: news@ag.tamu.edu
Author of the article below is Audrey Cook
Story comes from AgriLife Today – Texas A&M AgriLife’s Digital Magazine and Newsroom
Fresh off a world championship victory, the Texas A&M Ranch Horse Team is celebrating 20 years of helping students grow as riders, teammates and leaders, one ride at a time.
“When everything is working for a student and their horse, whether it’s at practice or in the show pen, it’s magic,” said Paige Linne ’15 ’17, senior lecturer of equine science and Ranch Horse Team coach.
The Texas A&M Ranch Horse Team celebrates their 20th year anniversary and cinch a world champion title at the Stock Horse of Texas World Show in Abilene. (Hannah Harrison/Texas A&M AgriLife)
A World Championship Milestone
The team marked its 20th anniversary with another major achievement, claiming the overall World Champion Team title at the Stock Horse of Texas World Show in Abilene.
Texas A&M University claimed the Go 1 Team Championship and Go 2 Reserve Championship, with team members earning numerous top individual placings throughout the competition. Individual highlights included Aaron Kendrick, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, who placed first in collegiate novice all-around; Ava Dora, Department of Agricultural Economics, who took first in collegiate novice reining; and Ella Fowler, Department of Animal Science, who earned first in collegiate non-pro pleasure and second in collegiate non-pro all-around.
“We strive to improve by 1% every day, and I think this championship reflects the hard work and commitment these students bring to the team,” Linne said. “They want to be part of something successful, and seeing that dedication pay off is something special.”
From Course to Competition
The program began in 2006 as a Stock Horse Advanced Training course within the Texas A&M Department of Animal Science. Quickly, the course grew into a club and later became a competitive team. B.F. Yeates, then a state horse specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, coached the first team.
Today, the team represents Texas A&M University at collegiate ranch and stock horse shows, competing in trail, ranch pleasure, reining and working cowhorse events.
Students on the Texas A&M Ranch Horse Team practice early each morning to improve their horsemanship skills in preparation for competition. (Hannah Harrison/Texas A&M AgriLife)
Students participate in practices to sharpen horsemanship, learn how to work cattle from horseback and build confidence through feedback from coaches and equine professionals.
Some riders arrive with years of experience; others use the department’s school horse program to ride and compete without bringing their own horse. Caring for horses and supporting teammates also teaches responsibility and teamwork.
“The Ranch Horse Team builds leaders, and we need leaders in the equine industry,” Linne said.
A Legacy Built by Generations
Students, former students, coaches and supporters have shaped the team through 20 years of shared work, knowledge and commitment. Current riders carry that legacy forward by helping teammates improve and modeling the work ethic and character passed down through the program.
“I think we owe what we are today to the 20 years of people who have poured into it previously,” Linne said. “We are here because you made it.”
(Photo by Hannah Harrison/Texas A&M AgriLife)
20 Years in the Saddle
Hear stories from 20 years of Texas A&M Ranch Horse Team members in 20 Years in the Saddle: Texas A&M Ranch Horse Team.
Click here to watch the Texas A&M Ranch Horse Team Documentary on YouTube