Nov. 14, 2008
COLLEGE STATION - The second-ranked Texas A&M equestrian team will face western national champion Texas Christian on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Brazos County Expo Complex in Bryan.
The Aggies (4-0) and the sixth-ranked Horned Frogs (3-2) are responsible for winning the last two Varsity Equestrian National Championship team titles in western riding. A&M won the title in 2007 over South Carolina while TCU won the title in 2008 over Georgia.
A&M also trots out the reigning, and first-ever, individual national champion in horsemanship in junior Caroline Gunn (Greensburg, Ind.) Gunn has compiled a 1-1-1 record so far this year, but does lead the Aggies - and likely the country -- in scoring average at 74.6 per ride. Senior Sibyl Parsons (Combine) has been A&M's most prolific horsemanship rider in the win column, racking up a spotless 3-0 record so far this season.
In reining, sophomore Amanda Ryan (Ramona, Calif.), a key member of the 2007 title team, is also off to a strong start at 2-1 with one MVP in her pocket as well.
TCU has earned victories over New Mexico State, South Carolina, and West Texas A&M while losing in Waco to both Baylor and Fresno State this fall. The Aggies have earned home wins over Fresno State and SMU and road wins at Big 12 rivals Kansas State and Oklahoma State.
The Aggies and Horned Frogs have met twice before with A&M winning both decisions. The Aggies romped to a 14-2 rout on Feb. 24, 2007, in College Station while eking out an 8-7 win in Fort Worth on April 4. The two teams' western squads have split decisions in their two meetings. A&M won 6-2 in 2007 while dropping a 4-4 tiebreaker in April.
Texas A&M equestrian shows are free of charge. The 12th Man Team Rewards Program will be in attendance to stamp/scan fans and a coloring station will be available for children. Copies of the 2007-08 Texas A&M Equestrian Media Guide will be available for sale as well.
The Brazos County Expo Complex is located at 5827 Leonard Road in Bryan, Texas.