West Texas A & M University
Box 60998
Canyon, TX 79016
West Texas A&M University's Block and Bridle Club kicked off the new academic school year (2004/2005) by attending the Division
of Agriculture’s Leadership Workshop. The workshop was designed to guide student organization officers to a successful year as
the leaders of an organization. Mission statements and goal setting were discussed. The club’s mission statement includes
emphasis on education about animal science, leadership, and development of long lasting professional and personal
relationships. Block and Bridle’s mission-supporting goals for the year were to invite educational speakers, host a successful
Little International Showmanship Contest, attend National Convention, and help to host judging contests.
Our first official meeting included a hamburger feast where new and old members became acquainted and the new members took the step of becoming involved with Block and Bridle by paying their membership dues. Three guest speakers spoke at club meetings during the school year, beginning with the first meeting.
During Homecoming week our club rode on the Division of Agriculture float with several other agricultural clubs. After the parade
we enjoyed a tailgate party where we grilled steaks, corn on the cob, and enjoyed a good ole game of football.
Throughout the year we helped out at events such as the Junior College Judging Contest, 4-H Judging Contest, FFA Judging
Contest, and Tri-State Fair Judging Contest. Members served lunch, showed livestock, set up pens, or served as group leaders
during the judging contests.
By far the largest event we organized was our local Little International Showmanship Contest. We organized and conducted
clinics where the competitors were able to benefit from individual help in order to learn about all the aspects of showing and caring
for the livestock. During the contest we collaborated with numerous people in order to ensure the success of the show. The
Collegiate FFA chapter sponsored the concession stand so that our spectators could enjoy a nice breakfast and lunch and our
Block and Bridle members could focus on the show. The show was the largest in recent history, with seventy –one contestants competing.
We sent 8 officers and members to the National Convention in Denver. It was a really enjoyable experience in which many memories
were brought back and shared with the club. Activities included tours, banquets, dances, and guest speakers. Several good ideas
for the club were gained while at the convention, and helped to create excitement in the club.
After the Christmas break we continued our bi-weekly meetings and continued our education through several guest speakers.
There were several social events such as bowling night and the slip-n-slide at the park.
Outgoing President: Ashley Hoff
Incoming President: Mandy Poole
Outgoing Vice President: Chris Leach
Incoming Vice President: Stephanie Bretz
Outgoing Secretary: Kathryn Hail
Incoming Secretary: Kathryn Hail
Outgoing Ag. Executive Representative: Kylia Kulp
Incoming Ag. Executive Representative: Laura DePra
Incoming Reporter: Kim Bleau
Advisors: Mr. David Lust / Dr. Ty Lawrence
