Oklahoma State University Athletics
OSU Equestrian Adds Four During Fall Signing Period
December 03, 2007 | Cowgirl Equestrian
Cowgirl Equestrian is proud to announce the signing of four high school seniors for the 2008-2009 season: Rachel Houchin, Kaila Nix, Taryn Nolte and Erin Arnold. The already undefeated Cowgirls are excited about the addition of these standout riders for next year.
Rachel Houchin comes to OSU bringing experience and skill to the western reining side of the equestrian team. Houchin is the daughter of Jeff and Mary and resides in Monument, Colorado and will graduate from Lewis Palmer High School. During the past eleven years, Houchin has accumulated 218 youth points in the NRHA (National Reining Horse Association). In 2006, Houchin was the RMRHA (Rocky Mountain Reining Horse Association) year end 14-16 Youth Champion and claimed the regional USEF 14-18 Youth Championship. In 2005, Houchin won the Mountain Affiliate Finals Team Championship and placed third in the Year End Youth 14-18 reining section. In 2003, Houchin was awarded the Mountain Affiliate Finals Team Championship.
Kaila Nix, a Texas native, will join the equestrian team in the fall of 2008, giving the already strong hunt seat team further experience and skill. Nix is the daughter of David and Bery. In May of 2008, Nix will graduate from Burkburnett High School. Nix brings a depth of experience in the jumper ring to OSU. In 2007, Nix captured the Grand Champion honors at the Los Colinas Spring Festival in the level 4's as well as the Reserve Champion honor in the Level 4's in Tulsa at the GO Tulsa Spring Show. Nix has secured multiple Champion and Reserve Champion placing in Level 2 and 3 jumpers, children jumpers, and children's hunter in the Texas Hunter Jumper Association. In the spring of 2008, Nix has been offered the opportunity to ride internationally in Germany and will spend several months training and competing there. Nix is a three time Zone 7 finalist in Children's jumpers and a National Finalist in the Washington International Horse Show held in Washington D.C.
Taryn Nolte joins the Cowgirl equestrian team from Gwynedd Valley, PA. Nolte is the daughter of Jeff and Sandy Nolte. She has one younger brother, Jeff. To show her dedication to the sport Nolte attended high school online to offer flexibility to her schedule. Nolte captured the year end high point award in children's jumpers in the prestigious Marshall and Sterling League. At the esteemed Capital Challenge competition in Marlboro, MD, Nolte came out on top capturing the championship in the children's jumpers. During her exhibition in the Lake Placid competition, Nolte once again turned in a perfect showing gaining another Championship in the High Junior Jumpers. Nolte earned ribbons at the Hampton classic competition riding in the high junior jumpers, at the Blue Rock Horse Show in the mini prix, at the Devon Horse Show in the high junior jumpers and at the Washington International Horse Show in junior jumpers. Pulling in a big win, Nolte won the $10,000 high junior jumper classic at HITS (Horse Shows in the Sun).
Making her way from Austin, Texas, Erin Arnold will wear a little brighter shade of orange. Arnold is the daughter of Doc and Elaine Arnold. Arnold attended Park Baptist High School where she was involved with the varsity cheerleaders, Spirit Club, tennis team, and community services. Along with her busy school schedule, Arnold was no stranger to the show ring. Throughout high school, she has accumulated multiple champion and reserve champion honors across Texas. Arnold's resume includes wins at the Dallas Harvest competition in Las Colinas, Texas and the acclaimed Pin Oak Charity Horse Show in Katy, Texas. In 2007, Arnold qualified for the USEF (United States Equestrian Federation) Nation Junior Hunter Finals, as well as qualified for the Zone 7 Finals. At the finals, Arnold will compete against top riders from Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.
