And Rider Number 9 Has a Beard...
Tryouts for the 2006-2007 Six White Horses riders were just getting underway when one of the observers commented, "hey is that guy wearing a number?" A quick check showed that yes indeed, for the first time in the History of the Six White Horses, a male student was trying out for the riding team.
Although the Six White Horses have traditionally been ridden by women, male riders have always been welcome to tryout for the team. It's just never happened before. Onlookers and judges were shocked, but reaction was generally favorable. I'm not sure what Debbie Jones was saying under her breath, but all present seemed to be ready to accept whatever historic changes the day might bring.
The saddling portion of the tryout seemed to be pretty even, and competition grew tighter as the evening stretched on. Rider number 9, Evan Barger, rode very well. He rode well enough, in fact, that he was picked on every judges ballot. Unfortunately, during his interview with the judges, both he and the judges realized that his other committments at HSU would prevent him from devoting the time needed to be a successful participant in the program.
So we won't see a guy in the saddle when the Six White Horses perform this year, but we will see:
New riders: Misty Moon, Senior from Abilene
Tamara Murdoch, Freshman from Abilnee
Kristyn Vanderland, Sophomore from Midland
Amy Coleman, Sophomore from Dallas
Returning riders: Tressie Smith, Senior from Abilene
Andrea Reyes, Senior from Abilene
Becky Tucker, Junior from Cleburne
Erika Muzljakovich, Junior from Duvall, Washington
Congratulations to all the riders!
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