RELATED LINKS: Photo Gallery

CASPER, Wyo. – The University of West Alabama rodeo teams garnered more hardware from the 2024 College National Finals Rodeo, as two wranglers took home Horse of the Year honors. 

Taycie Matthews, who became a two-time barrel racing national champion over the weekend, earned the Horse of the Year in the event with her mare, Poprocks. 

She also announced as named the Women's Horse of the Year. Based on the scores at the national championship, Taycie and Poppy posted a 55.32 average at the CNFR in barrel racing to achieve the national championship for the second consecutive season.

Also taking home Horse of the Year honors in the tie down roping is Blayne Saine's stallion, Cletus. The duo became a reserve national champion in the event with a 38.0 average over his four runs from the Ford Wyoming Center. 

Horses have to be registered by the American Quarter Horse Association in order to be qualified for the award.