Oklahoma Professional Horsewoman and Coach Rebecca Halvorson Leads Youth Team to National Victory at IEA Western Nationals

GUTHRIE, OK — Young Oklahoma equestrians and their coach, renowned professional horsewoman Rebecca Halvorson, swept the 2025 Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) Western Nationals, held June 21–23 in Fort Worth, Texas—securing multiple national titles and placing Oklahoma firmly on the map as a hub for youth horsemanship excellence.

Middle School National Champions: left to right: Hadlie Delk, Maddie Dawson, Teneley Brady, Emery Smith, Carter Daniels, Spencer Biggs, Maguire Biggs, Bailey Delk, Rebecca Halvorson.

The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA), a national nonprofit organization founded in 2002, provides competitive equestrian opportunities for students in grades 4–12 across the U.S. Since 2019, Halvorson has been coaching a dedicated Western discipline team from her ranch in Guthrie, with a mission to foster youth engagement in the equine industry through mentorship, sportsmanship, and teamwork.

Spencer Biggs and Macguire Biggs.

This year Halvorson Ranch earned a National Championship team for the middle school, a Reserve National Championship for the high school team. Stillwater, OK natives and middle school team sisters, Maguire and Spencer Biggs earned top placings in the written horsemanship test, the team had high placings at the horse judging contest, and Mustang, OK high school student, Hozanah Hanon was named the 2025 Myron Leff Leading Western Rider. Hozanah was the top placing Individual Horsemanship and Reining Rider at IEA Western National Finals. This is the highest western award given and is named after IEA Co-Founder, Myron Leff.

“This victory is a testament not just to talent, but to years of discipline, heart, and grit these young riders have shown,” said Halvorson. “I’m incredibly proud of what they’ve accomplished, and honored to help guide the next generation of equine professionals and enthusiasts.”

The Oklahoma team competed against top riders from across the country, demonstrating exceptional horsemanship and teamwork in events such as Reining and Horsemanship. Their impressive performance earned them national recognition and multiple championship titles out of nearly 100 western teams nationwide.

Kamdyn Shubert, graduating senior from Edmond Memorial High school who will be riding for West Texas A&M this fall.

IEA competitions are unique in that student riders compete on unfamiliar horses provided by the show host, testing their adaptability and equestrian skill in real-time. Halvorson’s team rose to the challenge, showing poise, confidence, and mastery in every round.

As the 2025 IEA season concludes, the Oklahoma riders return home with not only national accolades but also lifelong memories and a stronger commitment to their sport.

Left to Right: Tenley Brady, Bailey Delk, Hozanah Hanon, Hadlie Delk.