The West Texas A&M University Ranch Horse Team kicked off its season with a notable victory at the Aggieland Classic show held from September 25-28, 2023, in Bryan, Texas. The team’s performance marks a significant step towards their goal of defending their national championship title. Among the competitors was Kaylea Marionneaux, a freshman majoring in agricultural business and economics from Zachary.
In an impressive display, the team secured top placements across various categories, with several students finishing in the Top 10. Lance Baker, the head coach and professor of animal science, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “I was really pleased with the individual performances at our first show of the year. We noted some areas that we need to improve on and will work on those at our next show as we get ready for our World Championship in Abilene at the end of the month.”
Marionneaux was not the only standout at the show. Marin McCarthy, a freshman agribusiness major from Fort Worth, claimed the champion title in the limited non-pro category. Additionally, Haylee Triplitt, a senior agribusiness major from Gouldbusk, finished sixth in the same category, while Lela Chisholm, another freshman agribusiness major from Graham, secured eighth place.
The team’s past performance has set a high bar for the current season. In April, they won their first Division 1 national championship at the NIRSHA’s Collegiate National Championship Show in Amarillo. This success was followed by a remarkable achievement in November 2023 when they claimed the Division 1 world championship at the Stock Horse of Texas World Championship in Abilene.
As the season progresses, the West Texas A&M University Ranch Horse Team is focused on enhancing their skills and striving for excellence in upcoming competitions. With strong individual performances and a commitment to improvement, the team remains a formidable contender in the collegiate ranch horse circuit.
