Nov. 18, 2005

This Saturday, November 19, will be the 2005 home debut of the West Texas A&M University Lady Buff Equestrian team for two Hunter shows at the WTAMU Horse Center.

These two shows are the second series of hunter competitions for their season. The Lady Buff Riders will have four more chances to become qualified for Regionals in March.

The first Hunter show will begin at 8 a.m. and the second show will begin tentatively at 2 p.m.

After placing third in the last two hunter shows at Colorado College the WTAMU Hunter team is biting at the bit to place higher at this competition, and with the show being at home the Lady Buffs feel a little bit of an advantage.

"At home we are always more comfortable, plus we know the horses we are going to ride, so that makes us show better, but we are still always on our toes," senior open rider Meghan Mackey said.

Mackey, along with sophomore open rider, Whitney Fouts, are expected to place well in their over fences and flat classes. Novice flat rider Krissy Mailman is coming from a win in the last hunter show and will be on the hunt to repeat her success.

"As a team we were so close to clinching first or second place at the last hunter show in Colorado and we have so much talent I know we can claim a team championship at home," WTAMU Equestrian head coach Taylor Moss said.

Following this show, the Lady Buff Riders will have a break and return to action at New Mexico State University for two Western shows on Feb. 25 and 26.

-WT-