West Texas A&M Ranch Horse Team Secures Second Straight National Title in Texas
West Texas A&M University’s Ranch Horse Team has fiercely claimed its second consecutive championship at the National Intercollegiate Ranch & Stock Horse Association competition, held April 13 to 15 at the Amarillo National Center in Canyon, Texas. The team not only defended its national crown but also achieved an unprecedented sweep of all individual rider categories, marking a historic milestone in the competition’s young history.
This dominant victory comes on the heels of WT’s championship in 2025 and follows three runner-up finishes since the show began in 2021. The win has earned the team use of an award trailer from Hughes Trailers for a full year, cementing their position as a powerhouse in collegiate ranch horse competitions.
Historic Clean Sweep and Unmatched Team Excellence
According to Dr. Lance Baker, WT’s head coach and professor of animal science, the team’s triumph showcases the rare dedication and unified vision of student-athletes who “trust the process” and sacrifice for collective glory.
“This team has done what no other team has done before at Nationals—winning the Division 1 team title and sweeping all the individual categories along with the outstanding rider and freshman awards,”
said Baker, underscoring the historic nature of the victory.
The contestants competed across four rigorous classes—ranch reining, stock horse pleasure, ranch trail, and cow work—in three demanding divisions: novice, limited nonprofessional, and nonprofessional. Out of 19 WT students entering Division I, they edged out tough teams from Texas Tech University, Texas A&M University, North Central Texas College, and New Mexico State University.
Individual Champions Lead the Charge
Freshman sensation Avery Turner from Gilmer claimed the novice division title and was honored with the Outstanding Freshman Award, sponsored by the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. In the limited nonprofessional division, freshman Marin McCarthy of Aledo took the top prize. Sophomore agribusiness major Parker Ralston from Collbran, Colorado, won the nonprofessional division and earned the prestigious Kris Wilson Top Hand Award as the top rider of the entire competition.
Placing strongly alongside these champions were senior Cutter McLaughlin from Amarillo securing third in the nonprofessional division, and several other WT students claiming top-ten spots across divisions. Among them was Montana’s own Sydnee Wilson, a freshman agricultural media major from Trout Creek, who competed in the novice division.
Building Resilient Leaders Through Ranch Horse Competition
Coached also by instructor Sidney Dunkel, the team’s success reflects WT’s commitment to building self-reliant, courageous, and resourceful leaders through competitive athletics. This commitment aligns with the university’s long-term vision as outlined in the WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World plan, fueled by a record-setting fundraising campaign that has raised over $200 million.
West Texas A&M University, established in 1910 and a member of the Texas A&M University System since 1990, boasts more than 9,000 students and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a Research College and University. The WT Buffaloes compete in NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference with a broad range of athletic programs.
What’s Next for WT and Collegiate Ranch Horse Sports
This back-to-back championship not only elevates WT’s national profile but sets a new standard for collegiate ranch horse competition across the United States. With a strong pipeline of talented riders and robust institutional support, the Buffaloes are expected to remain dominant contenders as the sport grows. Montana readers with an interest in ranching, equine sports, and agricultural education will want to watch for future WT performances and expanding national competitions bridging rural and academic excellence.
