Stock Horse team named world champion
November 17, 2017
Recently the Tarleton State University Stock horse team was named World Champion at the Stock Horse of Texas World Show.
According to Francesca Jackson, President of the Stock Horse Club, Stock Horse is just a term used “for the horses that we use to compete in Stock Horse competitions. These horses generally are breed cow horses that we train to be diverse and well-rounded horses with the desired product being a Bridled-Horse.”
The event in which Tarleton received the title of world champion was the Stock Horse of Texas World Show presented by Western Horseman and held on Oct. 27- 28 at the Brazos County Expo Center in Abilene, Texas.
In order to become World Champions, the Stock Horse Team has had to put many hours of hard work.
Jackson said, “We practice collectively as a team twice a week at the Equine Center on Tuesdays and Thursday from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., [but] to be good and to win, it takes practice every day.”
The team is led by staff member Roberta “Bobbie” Walton. In order to reach the level of excellence Tarleton reached Walton said, “Many years of training and hours of practice go into becoming a team (horse and rider).”
The title of World Champion is not something easily acquired. At the championship, there are many other schools who have put in the same amount of practice hours in order to even have a shot at the title. Tarleton received the title of Champion for Division II recognition. The event was held in two separate shows and total points were then added together for both shows to determine the champion. Tarleton won both days.
Such an accomplishment achieved by the team meant a lot to them.
Jackson said “It means the world to us! Our team has been small and unrecognized for a while.”
But seeing the results of hard-work made worth all those hours of practice.
Walton said “It is great to get the recognition for all the work and effort they have put into riding and practicing. It is also great for the recognition the club and University have gained from their success.”
