Contact: Dr. Clay Cavinder, 979-458-2967, cac@tamu.edu
COLLEGE STATION – The Texas A&M University Horse Judging Team is hosting the inaugural Run for the Roses Banquet at 4:30 p.m. May 5 at the AgriLife Center on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station.
The evening will kickoff with the viewing of the 138th Kentucky Derby live on a 28-foot screen wall display followed by silent and live auctions, dinner and entertainment by Joe Teichman and the Cool Arrows.
Dr. Clay Cavinder, assistant professor in the department of animal science and horse judging team coach, said the event will allow the team to showcase the program, celebrate its successes and learn about the valuable experiences gained by those who participate.
“Members of the Horse Judging Team learn to evaluate horses and horse performance, but it also teaches them much more,” he said. “The process helps them develop oral communication, confidence, diction and it promotes good sportsmanship, teamwork and commitment.”
The team competes in seven national contests throughout the year. Proceeds from the event will be used to assist with team travel expenses.
“The team needs support from students, former students, parents, the Texas A&M community and anyone interested in this program,” Cavinder said. “I expect the banquet to be a great time to meet new people while watching the ‘Greatest Two Minutes in Sports’ on a giant screen and bringing much needed support to our program so we can continue to thrive as a team.”
Those planning to attend the banquet are encouraged to dress to impress in spring Derby attire. Awards will be given for best dressed and best derby hat. A raffle will be held for a free attendance to this summer’s Horse Judging Camp at College Station.
Since the first Texas A&M Horse Judging Team began competition in 1972, no other school has won more national championships than Texas A&M, Cavinder said. Most recently, Texas A&M has brought home championship titles from the American Quarter Horse Association Congress, the National Reining Breeders Classic and the National Reining Horse Association Futurity.
Cost for the event is $35 per adult, $20 per youth, ages 12-18, and $10 per youth age 11 and under.
For more information on the Run for the Roses Banquet or to register to attend, go to http://animalscience.tamu.edu/runfortherosesbanquet, call 979-458-2967 or email tamuhorsejudging@yahoo.com .
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