Reprinted from the West
Texas A&M University website
by Joe Wyatt
(Canyon)—The West Texas A&M University horse judging team put the perfect punctuation on a superlative year by winning the National Reining Horse Association National Championship Nov. 30-Dec. 1 in Oklahoma City for the sixth consecutive year.
The team scored 4,285 to edge out Oregon State University (4,263 points) for the title. Oklahoma State University (4,237 points) placed third.
Long known as a mecca for collegiate horse judges—this marks the 16th national or world title in the last dozen years for WTAMU—this victory put the finishing touches on the team’s best year ever. It is the third national championship turned in by WTAMU in 2006.
West Texas A&M won the National Reining Breeders Classic in April and the All-American Quarter Horse Congress in October.
“They were nothing short of awesome, and I'm extremely proud of everyone on this year’s team,” John Pipkin, director of WTAMU’s Equine Industry Program and coach of the horse judging team, said. “They maintained their focus during very challenging circumstances and persevered.
“This was truly a banner year for a terrific, hard-working, intelligent group of students. They had an exceptional, teachable attitude and a great work ethic that helped them overcome inexperience and develop into winners. They deserve their success and should be proud of the recognition they’ve brought to West Texas A&M.”
Three of Pipkin's charges placed in the top 10 at the National Reining Horse Association Championship. In addition, Laura Wilder turned in first-place performances in two of three categories and was named the world champion individual at the American Quarter Horse Association World Collegiate Horse Judging Contest in Oklahoma City in November.
This latest title represents the 45th championship, reserve championship
or individual national title for West Texas A&M in the past 12 years. 