Charlie Snider
2016-2017 Masked Rider

Throughout high school and into his college career at Texas Tech, Charlie's knowledge of horses grew. Charlie joined the Texas Tech Equestrian Team his freshman year in 2013 where he showed both Western and Hunt Seat against colleges and universities in Zone 7, Region 2 of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association. That region includes universities such as the University of North Texas, the University of Oklahoma, the University of Texas-Austin, West Texas A&M University, Tarleton State University and other schools in the South.

Charlie has constantly shown a strong work ethic by working with two horse barns outside of the Texas Tech Equestrian Team's responsibilities and also as an assistant to the Masked Rider.

From 2014 to 2016, Charlie served as one of the Masked Rider's assistants for the 53rd and 54th riders, Mackenzie White and Rachel McLelland.

Charlie says his experience with horses in the past eight years has taught him how to handle many different situations with horses and being an assistant to the Masked Rider has given him a lot of insight into the program and what it means to be the most iconic symbol for the university.

Dedicating most of his free time to all things horses, Charlie's hard work has earned him numerous awards and honors, including top six placements in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association shows, president for the Texas Tech Equestrian Team and an opportunity to ride with Team USA rider Sinead Halpin, who was the first alternate in the 2012 London Olympic Games, who also rode with the eventing team for the 2014 Normandy World Games.

All of Charlie's hard work has finally paid off as he now becomes the 55th Masked Rider for Texas Tech University.

Charlie says becoming the Masked Rider is such an honor and he can't wait to see where this year will take him as an ambassador for the university.

After his term as the 2016-17 Masked Rider, Charlie plans to further his knowledge in the equine industry by continuing to work with horses and possibly manage a horse barn.

"It really does mean a lot to me to represent the university to this capacity," he said. "I'm just excited to see where we will go, what we will do, and making sure that everyone who comes in contact with the Masked Rider and Fearless Champion has the best experience possible."

Written By: K'Leigh Sims, TTU Marketing & Communications

Follow the Masked Rider Program

Program Benefits

• Wells Fargo Leadership Scholarship
• On-Campus Meal Plan
• Paid Uniforms & Accessories
• Out of State Tuition Waiver
• Paid Travel Expenses
• Academic Tutoring
• Big 12 Conference Experiences
• Supportive Alumni

News & Highlights

• 2017 Tryout Dates Announced
• Midnight Matador Passes Away
• Original Masked Rider Passes Away, Legacy Lives On
• Memory of Joe Kirk Fulton
• Fearless Champion chosen as Horse Name
• Midnight Matador Retires
• Honoring Midnight Matador

2017-2018 Tryouts

• Tryout Information & Dates
• Masked Rider Tryout Application

Quick Facts

• Official mascot of Texas Tech University
• Attend over 200 public appearances
• Travels about 15,000 miles per year
• Associated Press 9th Best College Mascot
• 2017 Tryout Dates Announced

Meet Charlie

• From Corinth, Texas
• Tech's 55th student to serve
• Junior, Animal Science major

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Celebrating 62 Years

"No team in any bowl game ever made a more sensational entrance." - Ed Danforth, Atlanta Journal, Gator Bowl, January 1, 1954.

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Program Sponsor

Help Continue A Tradition

Donate to the Texas Tech Masked Rider Endowment Fund. This endowment fund is set up to help offset the many expenses incurred by the rider each year. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Donate Online

Send check to:
Masked Rider Endowment
Attn: Stephanie Rhode
Center for Campus Life
Box 45014
Lubbock, TX 79409