Riders Present Major Progress Entering Final Show
As the spring season wraps up and the final show weekend approaches, the University of Wyoming Ranch Horse Team put in one of its best performances of the year at last weekend’s show in McCook. Nine UW riders, including several who competed in new or recently advanced divisions, earned impressive placings. The team is building confidence as it heads into its final show, set for May 1 to 3 in Elbert, Colorado.
This weekend was another sign of progress for a team that has become more competitive throughout the spring. Riders improved in all four riding events: reining, cow horse, trail and pleasure.
Bailey Ceder and JL Blackcat delivered one of the top performances, finishing third overall in the Non Pro division, which included experienced riders from across the region. Ceder’s steady results in all four classes helped lead UW’s efforts and set a positive tone early in the weekend.
Emma McCabe and Play in Color kept improving in the Limited Non Pro, finishing seventh overall. McCabe has been moving up the standings all spring, and her clean, steady runs kept her among the top competitors in the division.
“Going into my last show as a senior, I want to just have fun with my horse and friends,” McCabe said. “It would be a pretty good accomplishment if I could get top 5 at my final show.”
UW also had great results in the Non-Pro Junior Horse division, with two riders finishing in the top three. Riley Zimmerman and Metallic Hot Poco took second overall, and Mikayla Alexander with BKK Topsail Moonshine came in third. Both pairs made clear progress in their cow work and reining patterns, which were two of the most challenging parts of the weekend.
The team’s success was beyond the collegiate level. Head coach Katie Cooper also competed, finishing second overall in the Stock Horse Open with Hawk Eyed Cat. She also placed fifth overall in the Open Novice on Woody B A Star, showing the strong horsemanship throughout the program.
By competing, Cooper gave team members a chance to look at the same patterns and challenges they faced over the weekend. Her results reinforced the high standards she sets in both practices and competitions.
Riders across the team reported personal bests, cleaner patterns and better communication with their horses. For many, the McCook show was a turning point. It gave them a chance to get comfortable in new divisions, try out changes from practice and build confidence before the season’s final stretch.
Now the team is focused on the season’s final show in Elbert, Colorado, where they will compete from May 1 to 3. With several riders performing well and others finding success in new divisions, UW heads into the final show with good momentum and a stronger sense of teamwork.
“Pleasure was my best event at McCook,” Morgan Wywialowski, ranch horse team member, said. “I hope to improve in all events at the next show with Bruno and hopefully end on a good note.”
The weekend was more about progress than about placings, which has been the team’s focus all spring. The improvements in McCook reflect months of steady work, long practice nights and a commitment to building both horsemanship and confidence in the arena.
As the team prepares for its last competition of the season, results from McCook provide a strong foundation and show how much the group has improved since the fall. With one weekend left, UW hopes to carry that growth into Colorado and end the season on a high note.
