OSU students win “Superbowl of horse judging”

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Pictured L to R: Dr. Ron Kensinger, Kristi Wright Burton, Ashley Schunk, McKenzie Nygren, Amanda Burrows, Allison Bond, Jennifer MacArthur, Sharon Thomas, Sarah Kawcak, Asst. Coach, Dr. Steven Cooper, Coach.

OSU’s Horse Judging Team earned the title of 2008 American Quarter Horse Association Senior World Champion at the organization’s world show on Nov. 19 in Oklahoma City. Team members and the team itself won several individual and overall awards while competing against 15 other finalist college teams for the top honor. With this win, OSU has taken home five AQHA World Championships since 1986.

Coach Steven Cooper said, “As a coach and mentor, my greatest reward was helping these young ladies achieve their goals while watching them grow into mature, well-rounded individuals. They have achieved success at the highest level of competition by winning the “Superbowl” of all judging contests. To have the opportunity to work with such a talented and passionate group of students has truly been an honor, and one I will not soon forget.”

Students on the team included Sarah Kawcak, Craig, Colo.; Ashley Schunk, Clare, Mich.; Kristi Wright-Burton, Molalla, Ore.; McKenzie Nygren, Johnstown, Colo., Jennifer MacArthur, Bartlesville, Okla.; Sharon Thomas, Jay, Okla.; Amanda Burrows, Claremore, Okla.; and Allison Bond, Inola, Okla.

OSU won the team championship by 20 points. Individual team honors went to:

1st High Team in Halter
Kristi Wright-Burton – 2nd high individual
Amanda Burrows – 4th high individual

2nd High Team in Performance
Allison Bond – 2nd high individual
Amanda Burrows – 5th high individual

1st High Team in Reasons
Amanda Burrows – 3rd high individual
Allison Bond – 5th high individual
Sharon Thomas – 6th high individual
McKenzie Nygren – 9th high individual

1st High Team Overall
Amanda Burrows – 1st high individual overall
Kristi Wright-Burton – 5th high individual overall