The Road to the Horse Collegiate Colt Starting Challenge was held in conjunction with the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. In a spectacular display of horsemanship, North Central Texas College, Texas Tech and West Texas A&M University went head to head in a competition that came down to the wire. True to the traditional Road to the Horse format, collegiate ranch horse teams, each consisting of three full time students, gentled 6666 Ranch fillies over four rounds of competition. During a thrilling final round, each team’s relationship with their filly was tested in a challenging obstacle course.
“The talent and collaboration witnessed from each ranch horse team was truly impressive,” stated Western Horseman Publisher Ernie King. “Every team finished the obstacle course with time to spare. This was a direct reflection of the level of horsemanship displayed during the competition.”
The 6666 Ranch fillies represented a selection of the industry’s finest Quarter Horse sires including BET HESA CAT, JESSES TOPAZ, ONE FAMOUS EAGLE, PG HEAVILY ARMED and WAGON STAKE. North Central Texas College selected a beautiful bay filly called SIXES STAKE, Texas Tech choose PENATEKAS, and West Texas A&M picked SEES AN EAGLE.
North Central Texas College Head Equestrian Coach Cathy Luse was overcome with emotion and beaming with pride as she talked about her winning ranch horse team, “I just want to thank everyone for their support, I’m amazed by all who came to cheer our team on. I am lucky to be surrounded by such truly talented and amazingly poised young adults. This is by far the coolest, most challenging event we’re ever done. To all involved in putting this one-of-a-kind event on, thank you for a memory of a lifetime!”
Luse’s team consisted of Addie Coutts, Kadin Hernandez and Josh Briggs.
Wyatt Dushay from West Texas A&M University was awarded the Sportsmanship Award, an honor voted on by fellow competitors. North Central Texas College team member Josh Briggs was selected to receive the prestigious MVP Award by judges Barbra Schulte, Craig Cameron, Richard Winters and Horseman’s Host, Ben Baldus.
The Road to the Horse Collegiate Colt Starting Challenge is the perfect prelude to Road to the Horse, which will feature the world’s top colt starters who will compete for a $100,000 purse. The three main competitors that have been selected for Road to the Horse are Wade Black, Craig Cameron, and Ken McNabb. The event will also feature a Wild Card competition featuring three of the nation’s best up-and-coming colt starters: Wylene Davis, Cole Cameron and Craig Moore.
Road to the Horse is typically held at the Kentucky Horse Park in March. Tickets are available online at www.RoadtotheHorse.com or by calling 800-514-3849. Learn more about Road to the Horse at www.RoadtotheHorse.com. Follow Road to the Horse on Facebook for the latest information.
About Road to the Horse — Lexington, Kentucky:
Founded in 2003, Road to the Horse strives to entertain and educate fans in the art of natural horsemanship. Road to the Horse challenges the world’s best equestrians to build a partnership with an untrained 3-year-old American Quarter Horse, across three intense days of competition. Fans witness the entire journey, from colt selection, to the final obstacle challenge. Road to the Horse features a $100,000 purse and competitors battle for horsemanship’s most coveted title. Purchase tickets and learn more at www.RoadtotheHorse.com.
About Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
Join us at the next Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. Rodeo ticket pre-orders are currently being taken both online and in person at the FWSSR office. Get your tickets today and get ready for a fun-filled western heritage experience. Visit www.fwssr.com or call 817-877-2400 for more information. The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo… This Thing Is Legendary!
