STEPHENVILLE — The 2011 TAMU Stock Horse Team dominated two competitions this fall, winning both the American Stock Horse Association Intercollegiate Competition held at the North Central Texas College in Gainesville on Oct. 22 and the Tarleton State University ASHA Collegiate Show on Nov. 5 in Stephenville.

North Central Texas College and Tarleton State University placed second and third, respectively, at each competition.

In Gainesville, the Aggie team members secured top individual honors in two of the three categories.

This includes:

♦ Amy Peterson from Sugarland – champion high point novice;
♦ Paige Linne from Cave Creek, Ariz. – reserve champion high point novice;
♦ Kelsey Larson from San Antonio – champion high point limited non pro;
♦ Anna Haines from San Antonio – reserve high point limited non pro;
♦ Ryan Birkenfeld from Nazareth – reserve champion non pro;
♦ Kyle Birkenfeld from Nazareth – third high individual non pro.

At the Tarleton competition, individual Aggie placing include:

♦ Amy Peterson – champion high point novice;
♦ Paige Linne – reserve high point novice;
♦ Kelsey Larson – high point reserve limited non pro;
♦ Anna Haines – fourth place limited non pro;
♦ Ryan Birkenfield – third non pro;
♦ Kyle Birkenfield – fourth non pro.

The team is coached by Dr. Dennis Sigler, professor and Extension horse specialist, and Raul Valdez, graduate assistant.

In stock horse team competition, teams consist of six members. Two team members compete in one of three divisions (non pro, limited non pro and novice) according to their previous riding and showing experience. Team scores are a total of the member’s scores.

“This program is designed to teach students the principles of training and showing horses in stock horse competitions. As students gain more experience, they move up to the more competitive division and compete against other, more experienced riders,” Sigler said. “Therefore, the emphasis is always placed on learning and improving their skills.”

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