Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to own a horse to participate on the team?
Yes, if you wish to compete, you must have your own horse.
What events do the team compete in?
The four main classes the team competes in are Ranch Pleasure, Ranch Trail, Ranch Reining and Working Cow Horse.
- Stock Horse of Texas (SHTX)
- National Intercollegiate Ranch & Stock Horse Association (NIRSHA)
- National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) Collegiate Challenge
- Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Bridles & Brains
How do I become a member of the competitive team?
Anyone wishing to compete (incoming freshman, transfer students, currently enrolled students new to the team) must provide demonstrated evidence via video of the horse (the horse you would be competing on) and riders’ ability to compete in the four classes (Ranch Pleasure, Ranch Trail, Ranch Reining, Cow Work (for the division you will compete in)). If you wish to begin competing in the fall (September-December) the videos must be submitted by April 1. If you wish to begin competing in the spring, videos must be submitted by November 1.
Email videos to Bobbie Walton at rwalton@tarleton.edu
Once received, you will receive communication about how to proceed.
Are there scholarships available to compete on the team?
Tarleton State University College of Agriculture & Natural Resources awards scholarships for academic ability and achievement, demonstrated leadership, ability to perform (music, band, etc.), extracurricular activities, financial need, and other criteria as defined by specific scholarship programs. In addition, Tarleton has a guaranteed scholarship program for freshman and transfer students as well as other programs based on student eligibility.
Does the team cover show expenses?
Student members are expected to raise individual sponsorship funds, participate in team fund raising opportunities and participate in club sports activities. Through this fund raising, the team is able to cover entry fees, stall and shaving expenses, hotel expenses as well as one team meal during competitions. Additional travel expenses and meals are covered by individuals.
What are the expectations to be on the competitive team?
Commitment to team practices (minimum of 2 nights/week), participation in team activities (2-3/semester), Commitment to representing the team at a SHTX and NIRSHA competitions, support team members at FWSS&R Bridles & Brains and NRCHA Celebration of Champions competitions.
What are the eligibility requirements to be on the competitive team?
Team members must be a full-time student and maintain a minimum of 2.0 GPA. Students have a total of 5 years or 8 semesters of eligibility to compete.
Team members who lose their eligibility to compete will also lose their practice privileges.
What are practices like?
The competitive team practices a minimum of 2 nights per week on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. During the practices, the team works on Ranch Pleasure, Trail, Reining and Cow work (with live cattle or flag). Some weekend practices with outside clinicians.
Is there boarding available?
Boarding is available at the practice facility (Ag Annex) for members of the team. This is a self-care facility and only available to those actively participating on the team. Team members are not required to board at the facility but it is an option.
Students will need home owners, trailer, or renters insurance to cover vehicles, saddles and tack kept at the practice facility.
There are many places with arenas in the community to board horses, costs and care vary.
Can I be a member of the club without having a horse?
Yes, if you would like to be a part of the club and support the team.
How do I become a member of the club?
To become a member of the club you need to attend a club meeting and pay your club dues.
To find out about meeting dates/times or for other questions contact the Team President or follow the team on social media.
Can I be a member of the team if I have a horse but am not yet ready to compete?
- Must be a participating member of the club.
- Students interested in being on the competitive team but are new to Stock Horse Competition and not yet ready to compete, must provide demonstrated evidence via video of the horse and rider combination demonstrating upward and downward transitions in all gaits (walk, trot, lope) going both directions.
- In order to participate with your horse if you are not ready to compete, you must be enrolled in the Stock Horse Techniques class.
- Students who are not on the competitive team but keep a horse at the practice facility and working towards being competitive are required to meet the same expectations of the competitive team members.