Do you want to be a student athlete in spurs instead of cleats or pearl snaps instead of jerseys? Ranch horse teams are growing across college campuses in the U.S.!
Kris Wilson, Ph.D., created the first ranch horse team at Texas Tech University in 2005. Since then, two- and four-year colleges have adopted his vision of “bringing the ranch to the arena.”
In 2021, ten teams competed at the National Intercollegiate Ranch and Stock Horse Association (NIRSHA) National Show in Amarillo, Texas. Just two years later, 18 teams competed, including the University of Arkansas, Missouri State University, and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, to name a few. In April 2024, the winning college teams in each division were awarded a horse trailer!
Here, we’ll answer your top seven questions about joining a college ranch horse team.
What is a Ranch Horse Team?
Ranch horse teams, occasionally known as stock horse teams, are intercollegiate teams or clubs showing in ranch versatility classes. Depending on the school, teams show in Stock Horse of Texas, American Stock Horse Association, and NIRSHA.
Each member will compete on one horse in four classes: rein work, cow work, ranch pleasure or ranch riding, and ranch trail.
There are three divisions for various riding levels: novice, limited non pro, and non pro.
The biggest differences between these divisions are eligibility requirements and the cow work classes. Novice riders will box only, limited non pro riders will box-drive-box-drive, and non pro riders will go down the fence.
Members place individually, but their scores are added up collectively for the team’s placing.
Do I Need to Own a Horse?
Not all colleges require you to bring your own horse. For instance, Texas Tech University and Texas A&M University can offer a horse for you to ride and show on the team. The majority, however, ask that you bring your barn buddy to school, and will help you find a place to board and ride.
Students do not need to show registered horses, and can compete on grade horses (any breed mix).
What Do Coaches Look for in Recruits?
Coaches want dedicated students with a passion for horses. While showing on a collegiate team, students will have to maintain above a 2.0 GPA and be a full-time student at their represented school. They actively recruit to find riders to fit each of the three divisions and who are competitive in the classes.
“I’m looking for the one that wants to be a captain rather than just the most valuable player,” says Lance Baker, Ph.D., coach of the West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) Ranch Horse Team and a professor in the Department of Agricultural Sciences at WTAMU.
“They [need to] have high character, high integrity, work ethic, always be there, and never be late,” he adds. “They’ll think about others. They will be great teammates. The captain is who you would point the new people to and say, ‘Do it like that.’” Dr. Baker’s team was crowned the 2023 SHTX D1 Collegiate World Champion Team and the 2024 NIRSHA D1 Reserve Champion Team.
What Do Tryouts Look Like?
Each college has its own tryout format. The majority will start with a questionnaire for you to explain your riding history and past qualifications.
Some will ask for riding videos, and others will have an in-person riding tryout. The riding tryouts will include portions of a reining pattern, going over trail obstacles, and riding transitions.
Are Scholarships Available?
Yes! Scholarships are one of the many bonuses to showing collegiately. The amount of scholarships available depends on the college.
Teams also fundraise to cover travel costs, including fuel, food, show fees and hotel stays.
Why Should I Compete on a Collegiate Ranch Horse Team?
Outside of covering costs by doing what you love, teams offer an immediate community when going to college. A team provides a safe environment for improving your horsemanship skills and finding friends with the same interests as you.
“It’s an individual sport, but this gives you an opportunity to show in a team environment,” says Dr. Baker.
It’s also a great resume builder, and offers the chance to get to know a professor—which you’ll need for future reference letters! You can also make professional connections with other industry leaders.
For instance, most teams bring in horse trainers to improve for future shows. Taking your horse to college means he can learn alongside you.
How Do I Join?
When you start looking at colleges to attend, see if they have a ranch horse team to join. If they do, the coach’s information will be listed. Reach out and explain your interest with either a phone call or an email.
Although you can’t major in ranch horse riding, competing on a team is just as fun!
This article about joining a college ranch horse team appeared in the September/October 2024 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!
