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Helping the Future of Horse Judging

The WTAMU Horse Judging Team partnered with New Mexico State University to lead the Tex-Mex Horse Judging Clinic on Feb. 8 in Portales, NM. The clinic focused on the fundamentals of horse judging and oral reasons, providing young participants with a hands-on learning experience.

Participants had the opportunity to evaluate halter and performance classes while receiving personalized guidance from WTAMU team members. The team worked closely with small groups, helping students refine their judging skills and providing individual help with writing and delivering reasons.

WTAMU team members involved in the clinic include Aislin McStay, Chloe Hamaker, Katelynn Horn, Karlee Frank, Camryn Barton, Kurtlee Smith, Bella Bridges, Abby Wiles, Charli Wells and Leah Tate.

The team is led by Dr. Christy Adams, Clinical Assistant Professor of Agricultural Business & Economics, and graduate assistant Lyndi Starr.

ACS Hosts Valentine's Day Bake Sale

WTAMU's chapter of the American Chemical Society hosted their Valentine's Day Bake Sale in the lobby of the Natural Sciences Building.

Proceeds from the event will help fund the chapter's activities throughout the spring semester, supporting student engagement in chemistry-related initiatives.

Dr. Nick Flynn, Professor of Biochemistry, serves as the faculty advisor.

WTAMU Represented at 2025 NCBA CattleCon

Dr. Trent Schwartz, Assistant Professor of Animal Science, and Dr. Ty Lawrence, Caviness Davis Distinguished Chair in Meat Science and Professor of Animal Science, recently traveled to San Antonio for the 2025 NCBA CattleCon, where they shared insights on key industry challenges and advancements.

Dr. Schwartz delivered a presentation on foreign material in beef production, emphasizing the importance of producer and industry collaboration in mitigating these issues.

Dr. Lawrence participated in a panel discussion on the science of yield, exploring the evolution of beef cutability measures and their future trajectory.

Graduate students Sheldon Luedke, Ambri Harrigal and Megan Eckhardt also attended, furthering their engagement with industry leaders.

Victory for the High Point Team

The WTAMU Equestrian Western Team kicked off their spring season by claiming High Point Team honors on both Feb. 1 and 2 at the Texas Tech Spring Western Show and leaving with the High Point Rider and the Reserve High Point Rider.

Individual Results:

Helene Kaiser achieved 2nd and 1st in the Open Horsemanship and 6th and 1st in the Reining on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Ultimately, she garnered the High Point Rider.

Caoimhe Bein-Rothstein was the Reserve High Point Rider after placing 6th and 4th in Level 2 Horsemanship and 1st on both days in Level 1 Ranch Riding.

Leah Tate placed 4th and 2nd in the Open Horsemanship, 2nd in the Level 2 Ranch Riding and 2nd in the Reining.

Kaitlyn Evans won 1st and placed 3rd in the Open Horsemanship and 2nd in the Level 2 Ranch Riding.

Haley Bucher achieved 1st in the Level 2 Horsemanship on both days.

Sydney Black claimed 5th and 1st in the Reining.

Ashton Hollingsworth won 1st in Level 1 Horsemanship and 3rd in Level 1 Ranch Riding both days.

Charli Wells placed 3rd in Level 1 Horsemanship and 1st in Level 1 Ranch Riding.

Alaina Scher claimed 4th in Level 1 Horsemanship.

Ashlynn Albaugh won 1st in Rookie B Horsemanship.

Cat Bordchardt earned 1st in Rookie B Horsemanship.

Jenna Arnes won Rookie B Horsemanship.

Amber Cox placed 4th and 5th in Rookie A Horsemanship.

Willow Stanfield achieved 3rd and 1st in Level 2 Horsemanship and 4th in Level 2 Ranch Riding.

Itzel Alverez earned 2nd in Beginner Horsemanship.

Breeyn Davis placed 4th in Beginner Horsemanship.

Kaylen Langhofer won 1st in Beginner Horsemanship.

Valeria Rodriguez claimed 6th in Beginner Horsemanship.

Jaden Stater placed 4th in Beginner Horsemanship.

Rylie Bauman secured 2nd in Level 1 Horsemanship and 1st in Level 1 Ranch Riding.

Hana Craycraft won Level 1 Horsemanship and placed 5th in Level 1 Ranch Riding.

Elizabeth Ross placed 2nd in Rookie B Horsemanship.

Wool Judging Team's Continued Success

The WTAMU Wool Judging Team placed 3rd Overall at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo after achieving 1st in Placings and securing 2nd in both Reasons and Grading.

Individual Results

Lainie Reiter was the 3rd High Individual Overall after placing 5th in Grading.

Addy Folmar achieved 4th in Placing and 7th in Reasons.

Kimber Preece earned 5th in Placing.

Keni Drennan rounded out the top ten with a 9th in Placing.

The team is coached by graduate assistant Bailey Lamb and is now setting its sights on the National Championship in Houston on March 17.