West Texas A&M Dominates National Ranch Horse Competition with Second Straight Title
CANYON, Texas — The West Texas A&M University (WT) Ranch Horse Team just secured its second consecutive national championship at the National Intercollegiate Ranch & Stock Horse Association competition, held April 13 to 15 at Amarillo’s National Center on the Tri-State Fairgrounds.
The WT team delivered a historic performance by sweeping every individual category while fending off stiff competition from Texas Tech, Texas A&M, and New Mexico State. This victory confirmed the team’s dominance since the national contest debuted in 2021, marking their second overall championship after several close runner-up finishes.
Historic Sweep and Top Honors for WT Riders
Coached by Dr. Lance Baker, a professor in the Department of Agricultural Sciences, the team’s success was powered by an exceptional group of 19 riders competing in Division I’s three divisions: novice, limited nonprofessional, and nonprofessional. WT didn’t just win the team title—they swept all the individual categories, a first in the history of the Nationals.
“There are few things more gratifying than a group of student athletes with total buy-in, who share the vision and the dream, who trust the process,” said Dr. Baker. “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.”
Over two action-packed rounds in four classes—ranch reining, stock horse pleasure, ranch trail, and cow work—WT riders showed depth, skill, and balance across all events, securing top honors:
- Parker Ralston, sophomore agribusiness major from Collbran, Colorado, earned the coveted Kris Wilson Top Hand Award as the best rider of the entire event in the nonprofessional division.
- Marin McCarthy, freshman equine industry and business major from Aledo, took the limited nonprofessional division honors.
- Avery Turner, freshman equine industry and business major from Gilmer, claimed the novice division title and the Outstanding Freshman Award, sponsored by the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.
Strong Campus Representation and Future Prospects
The WT team wasn’t only about its three champions. Several other students placed in top positions across the divisions, including senior agribusiness major Cutter McLaughlin from Amarillo placing third in the nonprofessional division, and multiple riders ranked in the top ten.
Assistant coach Sidney Dunkel and Dr. Baker praised the students’ dedication and teamwork, highlighting how WT uses competitions like this to build traits such as self-reliance, courage, and resourcefulness as part of the university’s long-range strategic vision called WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World, supported by a record-breaking $200 million One West comprehensive fundraising campaign.
Prize and Recognition
As reigning champions, WT will also receive use of an award trailer from Hughes Trailers in Canyon for one year, a coveted prize that will help transport gear to future events and further elevate their program.
Why This Matters Across the U.S.
This win further cements West Texas A&M’s reputation as a powerhouse in collegiate ranch horse competition, spotlighting a growing sport that blends traditional western skills with modern collegiate athletics. Such achievements help showcase university programs fostering agricultural leadership and offer valuable pathways for student success nationwide.
WT’s program growth reflects broader trends in Western U.S. agricultural education and competitive equestrian sports — areas with strong roots and expanding interest that resonate far beyond Texas, including in Nevada and other western states.
What’s Next for the WT Ranch Horse Team?
After dominating the 2026 Nationals, the WT team is poised to defend its title and expand its leadership in collegiate ranch horse competition throughout the year. Their success will be closely watched by peer programs, sponsors, and fans nationwide.
Stay tuned for coverage of upcoming events and athlete profiles as the team builds on this historic momentum.
About West Texas A&M University: Located in Canyon, Texas, WT is a Carnegie-classified Regional Research University part of The Texas A&M System with over 9,000 students. It offers robust agricultural and equine programs critical to its competitive edge in events like the National Intercollegiate Ranch & Stock Horse Association championships.
