Equine
NCTC’s Outstanding Equine Program
By Janis Blackwell
I recently had the privilege of visiting with Becky Terrell, one of the instructors in the equine department of North Central Texas College in Gainesville, Texas. Last month my article was dedicated to the return of the rodeo team to NCTC, but there is so much more going on there for students who are interested in horses and the horse industry that this part two article is necessary to adequately cover the program.
The equine department is a division of the agriculture department and has existed since the late 1970s. Becky Terrell and Cathy Luse are the professors responsible for teaching and coaching the equine classes and teams.
Becky’s relationship with horses began in her hometown of Stillwater, Oklahoma’s 4-H program. As she grew up, she moved from 4-H to the American Quarter Horse Association’s youth program where she competed in both English and western events. She attended Oklahoma State University where her original plan was to enter vet school, but an accident which resulted in a serious head injury changed those plans and resulted in her attending Texas Tech University and majoring in animal science where she was recruited as part of the equine judging team.
She finished her undergraduate studies at Texas Tech and then was recruited to Colorado State University where she began teaching some starter level riding courses. Upon graduating from CSU with a master’s in reproductive behavior in horses, Becky became a breeding manager on several reputable farms and eventually was accepted as a trainer when her employers became aware of her ability.
After training for others and eventually for herself, Becky settled back in the Gainesville area where she saw that there was a position open at NCTC in the equine department.
At NCTC, Becky is responsible for teaching equine science, reproduction, one training course, one riding course and in addition coaches the horse judging team which she believes enhances critical thinking skills. Over the years, Becky’s horse judging team has been very successful both as individuals and as a team. Becky considers herself very blessed to be able to work every day with horses and young people. In her words, “It’s like not working at all because you’re doing what you love”.
To read more pick up a copy of the June 2017 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
By: Krista Lucas Wynn | Copy Editor
The name, “Daddy of ’em All,” instantly brings to mind the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and western celebration. Cowboys and cowgirls from all across the country dream of competing on the iconic Cheyenne arena dirt.
Every July, pro rodeo contestants travel to Cheyenne, Wyom. to vie for the title of champion of the Cheyenne Frontier Days. The rodeo is steeped in western tradition and celebrated the 125th year this summer. With nearly two weeks of rodeo action, fans watched bareback riding, calf roping, breakaway roping, saddle bronc riding, team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding, and steer roping.
Steer roper, Tuff Hardman, knew winning “the Dad” was a tall order, but with a good horse and a few prayers he left no doubt who the best steer roper at Cheyenne was when it was all said and done. After two rounds, Hardman qualified back for the finals tied for ninth place with a time of 30.8 seconds.
To read more, pick up a copy of the September issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
Utilizing the horse to human connection.
By: Hannah Claxton | Editor
Deep in the heart of Texas, both humans and horses at Stable Strides Farm in Pilot Point, Texas aer demonstrating just how big their hearts really are. Founded by Mandy Cleveland in 2001, Stable Strides Farm serves dozens of Equestrians with Disabilities and Veterans each week.
Deep in the heart of Texas, both humans and horses at Stable Strides Farm in Pilot Point, Texas aer demonstrating just how big their hearts really are. Founded by Mandy Cleveland in 2001, Stable Strides Farm serves dozens of Equestrians with Disabilities and Veterans each week.
“My boys have been riding since they were 18 months old, and for the first 17 years they had a leader and sidewalker. When we moved here, and Mandy started teaching them, she just said, ‘Let’s see what they can do,’ and they ride independently now,” Danielle Frank explained, whose two sons, Adison and Aiden, ride with Stable Strides Farm. “Mandy is amazing beucase she doesn’t place any limits on them, she always wants to see what they can do.”
It is her dedication to never setting limits that earned Cleveland a spot as a national finalist for the NSBA 2024 Dianne Eppers Cowgirls Reaching-Out-to-Community Award. The award was established by the NSBA Foundation to recognize cowgirls across the industry for their selfless contributions to the equestrian community.
To read more, pick up a copy of the September issue of the NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
(Photos Courtesy of Hannah Claxton)
By Krista Lucas Wynn
The month of August is smack dab in the middle of summer. When in the thick of the hot summer days, it is important to keep horses, livestock and yourself cool, whether leisurely riding, competing or traveling. Texas temperatures, along with the humidity, can be extremely draining on equine athletes and riders alike.
The 100-plus degree days should come as no surprise. It happens routinely every year, and in true Texas summer fashion, it does not cool off much at night either. Horses cannot get much relief from the conditions, unless provided by a responsible owner. Sweating day in and day out can be detrimental to horse health.
It is vital to have fresh, cool water in front of horses at all times. Stalled horses should have at least two buckets in front of them. Electrolytes can help replace any lost hydration after riding. Fans are an important item to have on hand as well. They keep air moving, and now that it is dry and dusty, air movement is even more important.
To read more, pick up a copy of the August issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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