Las Cruces N.M. - The New Mexico State equestrian team won a nail biter in Las Cruces as NM State tied No. 1 Texas A&M 7-7 but won on raw score 1201.25-1052.25.
 
"Today was a great day to be a part of NM State Equestrian!" head coach Robin Morris-Walters. "Since starting spring practices, we've been trying to focus on riding in the moment and enjoying the opportunity.I think it paid off today as these student-athletes came in with a clear head, a passion for showing horses, and the support of their team."

NM State took an early 2-1 lead after the Equitation competition Karianna Knezevich (73) and Remington Willkie (81) each scored a point with Willkie earning MVP honors in the event.
 
Madison Brayman (85) and Knezevich (79) each scored in the Equitation over Fences event with Brayman winning the MVP award. This gave NM State a 4-3 lead at the end of the Hunterseat competition.
 
New Mexico State fell behind at the start of the Western competition as Texas A&M took the 6-5 lead after Horsemanship. NM State made up the deficit in the Reining event as Hallie Padilla (65.5) and Kimberly Ferrante (72) outscored TAMU 2-1 to end the competition in a 7-7 tie.
 
The raw scores determined the winner with NM State coming out on top 1201.25-1052.25. It is the first time the equestrian team has defeated the number one team in the country.
 
The NM State equestrian team is back in action February 11 as the team travels to take on SMU. Competition is set to start at 10 a.m.