The Texas Tech Ranch Horse Team won both the Stock Horse of Texas Collegiate World Championship and the SHTX Collegiate Reserve Championship at the 2019 Stock Horse of Texas Collegiate World Championships on Tuesday (Nov. 12) in Abilene, Texas. Texas Tech will be one of three teams representing the SHTX at the inaugural Collegiate Challenge at the Road to the Horse this February.

The Texas Tech red team outplaced North Central Texas College by 40 points, 257-217, and Texas A&M by 89.5 points, 257-167.5. The Texas Tech black team outplaced North Texas Central College by 4.5 points, 221.5-214, and Texas A&M by 54 points, 221.5-167.5.

"I am so proud of these students. They put their whole hearts into what they do," said Justin Stanton, ranch horse team coach. "The work they put into this event is truly admirable. I am so proud to not only bring home the championship, but the reserve title as well. To have enough talent to pull that off gets me excited for the future. Winning these titles is so important, not only for representing the university well, but also for setting the standard for up-and-coming team members. I have no questions as to whether this team will continue to conquer bigger and better things."

Sidney Dunkel, a junior from Archer City, finished as one of the most successful members in Texas Tech Ranch Horse Team history. Her efforts at the SHTX scored 54.5 points, making her top collegiate non pro rider in the competition.

In the novice division, Jentry Wall from Ropesville and Sarita Short from Voss swept the division taking first and second place, respectively. The team members began their time on the team with no show experience and have advanced to the next level of competition.

Other members of the ranch horse team are:

• Abi Brogger from Three Forks, Montana
• Grace Blackwell from Checotah, Oklahoma
• Arianne Cox from Pep, New Mexico
• Tyllor Ledford from Durango, Colorado
• Hannah Penny from Mount Vernon
• Ben McCartney from Throckmorton
• Colton Baca from Vega
• Shayna Smith from Silverton
• Gracen Walker from Canadian
• Evan Means from Valentine
• Zachary O'Neal from Guthrie
• Addison Fjelstad from Lake Mills, Iowa

CONTACT: Michael Orth, chairman, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University at (806) 834-5653 or michael.orth@ttu.edu

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