NEO A&M Horse Judging Team

04/13/2026

Jesus Santana, from Macy, Indiana, has developed a strong passion for working with horses, from handling them to evaluating them in contests. He has experience maintaining, feeding, and ensuring the well-being of horses during his time in Mexico. After returning to the United States, he discovered FFA, where he has demonstrated dedication and success in every competition he has participated in, including Horse Judging. Through these experiences, he has gained valuable industry knowledge and a strong work ethic.

A retired member of the North Miami FFA chapter and a current State FFA Officer for Indiana, Jesus continues to grow and serve through his past role as a chapter officer and his current position as a state officer. These experiences have allowed him to build meaningful and lasting connections within his community. He looks forward to growing and expanding his experience in the equine industry while continuing to build skills for his future endeavors.

We are counting down the days until Jesus and his teammates arrive in Miami. We know that Jesus will lead his team by setting an example of what a hard working, dedicated and tenacious team member looks like. Jesus is a kind, welcoming soul who will share his heart with his team.

Row Norse!

04/13/2026

We are welcoming another Buckeye…

Lexi Wills is from Richwood, Ohio, and has developed a strong passion for the equine industry through years of hands-on experience and competition. She has shown horses with the Ohio Quarter Horse Association and the American Quarter Horse Association, competing in both all-around events and reining. Her dedication to excellence is highlighted by her success in horse judging through FFA and independently theough the Ohio Quarter Horse Association. Through these opportunities, she has built a strong foundation of industry knowledge, work ethic, and attention to detail.

An active member of the North Union FFA Chapter, Lexi continues to grow as a leader while representing her school and community. She has also gained valuable skills from working on her own horse farm. She looks forward to continuing to expand her knowledge and contribute to the equine industry while building on the experiences that have shaped her passion and drive.

We are thrilled to welcome Lexi to Miami next fall. She will bring passion, experience and patience to a team who will add light to an already shining department. NEO is the best place for future professional horsewomen like Lexi.

Row Norse!

04/06/2026

NEO Horse Judging had a great time in Indiana a few weeks ago, where team members had the opportunity to teach at an outstanding clinic!

A huge thank you to Tom Younts, Tim McLochlin, and Hamilton Southeastern schools for the invitation and for hosting such a high-quality event. We truly appreciate the opportunity to share our knowledge and be part of such a valuable learning experience.

We are also proud of our NEO Horse Judgers Bryleigh Colbert, Hannah Mennig, and Keeley Brooks, who did an outstanding job representing our program and contributing throughout the clinic.

We’re grateful for opportunities like this to give back to the industry while continuing to grow and develop. Looking forward to the rest of the season!

03/17/2026

Last week, our team celebrated academic achievements at the Honor’s Banquet. These students are impressive, on and off the floor. We are so proud of all of them.

We are counting down the days till our spring trip in North Texas.

Row Norse!

03/15/2026

We’re a little over a week out from the 2026 Aggie Days Horse Judging Contest.

Join us March 24, 2026 at NEO’s Indoor Arena!
Multiple classes, junior & senior divisions, and awesome awards including buckles, banners, and more!

🕗 Registration: 8:00 AM
🕘 Contest begins: 9:00 AM
Entries Due- March 20, 2026

We can’t wait to see you at Aggie Days!

Registration Link-
https://www.judgingcard.com/Registration/Info.aspx?ID=24378

03/02/2026

Colton Smith is from Bellefontaine, Ohio, and has a strong passion for the equine industry. He shows Quarter Horses in the halter division at the national level, bringing extensive experience and knowledge from the show pen. Colton has earned numerous AQHYA World Show titles and All American Quarter Horse Congress championships. In addition to his success in the arena, he served as President of the Ohio Quarter Horse Youth Association for three years. At the national level, he has served as an AQHYA Region 4 Director for two years, an Executive Committee member for one year, and as Second Vice President.These leadership roles reflect his dedication to serving and advancing the industry. He is eager to continue building on this foundation while expanding his knowledge and skills through the opportunities available at NEO.

Colton knows no stranger and will be a friend to all on campus. He will lead by example with a horseman’s approach. We are eager for him and his classmates to hit the ground running.

Row Norse!!

02/26/2026

Sign up!!!!!

We can’t wait to come up North and share what we love.

We’re coming to Indiana!
Sign up by Feb 28 and meet us in Fishers, IN.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScC18NSx_PDh4tRYavFBHJxdkE9Qoaj1WAhPGfOjG3wbY5BaQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor&usp=embed_facebook

02/23/2026

Well, everything is better with some cows around!

NEO was the Champion Junior College Team in Fort Worth this week at the NRCHA Celebration of Champion’s collegiate judging contest.

Thank you to the NRCHA, WTAMU and Texas Tech for organizing the contest and allowing the opportunity for these kids to learn a new specialty.

Row Norse!

02/13/2026

We’re coming to Indiana!
Sign up by Feb 28 and meet us in Fishers, IN.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScC18NSx_PDh4tRYavFBHJxdkE9Qoaj1WAhPGfOjG3wbY5BaQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor&usp=embed_facebook

02/10/2026

We are not done yet!

Baylee Hash is from Preston, Missouri, and has a strong passion for both the equine and beef cattle industries. She developed an exceptional work ethic and deep sense of responsibility through her upbringing on her family’s cow–calf operation. Baylee serves as an ambassador for the Missouri Beef Kids Council, where she is dedicated to advocating not only for the beef industry, but for agriculture as a whole. She is an active and proud member of the Skyline FFA Chapter, where her horse judging career began. Baylee played a key role in establishing her chapter’s first-ever horse judging team, demonstrating grit, leadership, and determination. She plans to carry these same qualities into college as she expands her horizons by pursuing a degree in Agriculture.

We are so excited to welcome Baylee to Miami. It was immediately evident that Baylee’s filled with grit and tenacity. She leads through personal action, setting the standard by example and earning respect through consistency, perseverance, and integrity.

Row Norse!

02/01/2026

Time to update Facebook with a few more!

Gabby Lopez is from Adair, Oklahoma, and is an active member of the Adair FFA Chapter. She is highly involved in both the livestock and equine industries. Gabby has hands-on experience breeding, raising, and selling show goats, which has helped her develop strong skills in animal care, responsibility, and management. She is also passionate about horse judging and enjoys continually improving her knowledge and performance in the judging arena. Gabby was also on a Gold Emblem ranking team at the 2024 National FFA Convention. Through her agricultural involvement, she has gained valuable leadership and teamwork experience and looks forward to advancing her education in Agriculture at NEO A&M College.

Gabby is a quiet force with an incredible work ethic—focused, reliable, and always willing to help others succeed. Her kindness, steady smile, and team-first mindset make her someone everyone enjoys working alongside. We can’t wait to have her here with her teammates.

Row Norse!