WT’s own stock horse team was eagerly formed on the basis of helping students ride a better horse with an emphasis on a working ranch horse. The team is dedicated to improve the American ranch/stock horse. It all began as a student-organized club on campus in 2008. However, the overseeing organization (American Stock Horse Association) collegiate division originated in 2005.
The team competes in a series of events based on a versatile ranch horse in four classes: ranch pleasure, ranch trail, working cow horse and reining. Ranch pleasure class was formed on the basis of how you would like your horse to ride when you are riding outside on the ranch. Ranch trail consists of obstacles that will typically be seen on a ranch. The foundation for the reining class is to have a willing, guided horse complete a variety of maneuvers. Working cow horse is based on the horse and rider combination maintaining control of a cow throughout a designated pattern.
One of the goals of the stock horse team is to have a constant drive to improve horses with the foundations of a working ranch horse in mind. They strive to make a positive impact in the surrounding community and the associations in which they compete.
Kara Kraich, graduate student at WT, dedicates her extra time to coaching the WT Stock Horse Team students in becoming exceptional horsemen.
”If my students will maintain a coachable attitude, an appropriate state of mind, and a continual drive to succeed there is nothing they cannot accomplish,” Kraich said.
Currently, the WT Stock horse team has fifteen members on their roster and all are encouraged to participate in practice and compete at affiliated shows. However, for the collegiate team portion there will be six riders designated as “point riders”.
“The outstanding students of this organization and the generous support of the community along with WT faculty/staff have allowed this program to become a rapidly growing success,” Kraich said. “I want to extend my gratitude and thanks to everyone involved.”
The stock horse team welcomes new membership from any currently enrolled WT full-time undergraduate or graduate students. However, to participate in competitions with the team it will be necessary to own your own horse.
For the remainder of fall semester, the scheduled practice times are Monday nights from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. and Fridays 2-5p.m. at the WT horse center.As the fall semester winds down, so has the show season. However for those interested in becoming a part of this new legacy, the Stock Horse Team will start up again next semester with a first competition in Stephenville, TX. February 11-13th.
