NCTC IHSA Equestrian & Stock Horse Teams

06/02/2026

Good luck to Ashley Wortham and our very favorite, JT!

05/21/2026

BIG NEWS! 🐴 Equine is officially part of Cub College this year! We’ve got fun activities, hands-on learning, and plenty of horse fun planned. We can’t wait! NCTC Adult and Continuing Education

Good news! 🐾🎉
Registration for Cub College has officially been extended through May 29th! There’s still time to reserve your child’s spot for an unforgettable week of creativity, learning, and hands-on fun this summer.
📚 Cub College is designed for kids entering 3rd–6th grade and takes place June 22–25 on the Gainesville Campus.
☀️ Morning Camp
🕣 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
💲 $125
🎨 Optional Afternoon Camp
🕛 12:00 PM – 3:45 PM
💲 Additional $100
Students can customize their experience by choosing classes from exciting sessions like:
✨ AI Explorers Club
🎬 Mini Movie Makers
🎮 Game Development
🎭 Drama
🐴 Equine
…and so much more!
Spots are limited, so don’t wait to sign up for this fun-filled summer adventure!

05/20/2026

Not only successful in the arena, but in the classroom too! Congratulations to Kate Taylor, Hanna Clausen, and Kasen Wink for achieving a perfect GPA this semester. We are incredibly proud of you!

05/18/2026

Today we spotlight recently graduated IHSA team member Abigail Phillips! 🎓🐴

Degree Earned: Equine Science
Future Plans: Pursuing a career as a Veterinary Technician

Around the barn, Abigail has earned many unofficial titles:
✔ Team Mom
✔ New Rider Translator
✔ IHSA Rule Explainer
✔ Barn Therapist
✔ “Did you remember your number?” Reminder Specialist

If there was ever a new competitor confused about the IHSA format, Abigail was probably already helping them before anyone else noticed. Her patience, encouragement, and leadership have helped so many riders gain confidence both in and out of the show pen.

Abigail has been such an important part of our team culture, and her impact on this program goes far beyond ribbons and placings.

We are so proud of you and excited to watch you chase your dreams in the veterinary field. Congratulations Abigail! 🤍

05/09/2026

🎓 Today we recognize recently graduated Ranch Horse Team competitor, Kelsi Douglas! 🎓

Kelsi is known by her teammates through many titles — Biggest Supporter, Container of Chaos, and of course, the one and only “Madam Ranch Horse President” 2025–2026. ❤️

Making her way to Texas all the way from Eagle, Colorado, Kelsi has left an unforgettable mark on our program. Her leadership, personality, work ethic, and ability to push her teammates to strive higher made her truly one of a kind.

Next, Kelsi will be attending Tarleton State University to pursue her bachelor’s degree, and we have no doubt she will continue doing incredible things.

Kelsi is truly one in a million, and we are proud to call her an NCTC alumna. Once a Lion, always a Lion. 🦁💙



Maddie Harris

04/11/2026

North Texas friends, I have a super awesome student that is staying in the area to work this summer and is looking for a place to stay. Time frame is ideally 3rd weekend in May to the first week in August.

04/07/2026

𝓡𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓱 𝓗𝓸𝓻𝓼𝓮 𝓣𝓮𝓪𝓶 𝓑𝓸𝓷𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰…

The NCTC Ranch Horse Team decided to take a try at the golf course for some team bonding before their last show of the year! 🏌🏼

Huge thank you to The Range of Gainesville for letting us come out.

Guess which team member lost their golf club mid swing 🔍👀.

04/02/2026

Today, we’d love to highlight a student with a truly special story.

Megan Vasquez is finishing up her freshman year at NCTC in the Equine Science program. A Montana native, Megan moved to Weatherford, Texas for her senior year of high school. She came to NCTC with a background in the Hunter/Jumper world, but was eager to expand her skills in Western disciplines.

During her first semester, Megan competed on the IHSA Equestrian Team in Level II Horsemanship and Ranch Riding. Within just a few practices, Coach Hannah recognized her ability, determination, and work ethic, and proposed a potential spot in the Novice Division on the Ranch Horse Team—with the understanding that Megan would need to find a horse to compete on.

Her teammates quickly rallied around her, welcoming her to additional Ranch Horse practices and helping her begin the search for a competition horse. Megan knew she was hooked when Non-Pro rider Amber Wortham gave her the opportunity to ride her horse, JT—and if you know JT or the Wortham family, you know he’s as good as they come.

Fast forward to the spring semester: Megan is still competing on the IHSA team and has now leased a horse, Leo, from teammate Kelsi Douglas. On April 13–15, Megan and Leo will compete at their first National Intercollegiate Ranch & Stock Horse Association show.

Here at NCTC, we strive to provide opportunities that allow students to try new things—regardless of their background or experience level. If you’re like Megan—hardworking, academically driven, and willing to go above and beyond—the NCTC Equine Program can help you achieve big dreams.

And as you can see from this photo… sometimes Megan’s Hunter/Jumper roots still make an appearance 😉

Photo credits to Tilted D Studios during an Arrowheart Ranch horse show.

02/20/2026

Great pictures, but an even better lesson in grit, discipline, and heart.

This Sunday, our riders step into the pen at the NRCHA Celebration of Champions — and they’re ready. 🦁🌟

Thank you to Rush Performance Horses for your time and knowledge. 😊

02/19/2026

ONLY 13 days until we hit the road to SHTX. Tune in for more lions updates 👀🦁