About Us

In 1995, Texas horsemen Jack Brainard and Roger Blackmon saw a need in the horse industry for an organization that could teach riders horsemanship skills, promote all-around working horses, put on shows and clinics that don’t make horse owners pay through the nose to participate and provide its events in a truly enjoyable setting.

Brainard and Blackmon wanted their concept to fit both working ranchers and backyard horsemen. Dr. Doug Householder, Dr. Bill Jackson, Dr. Dennis Sigler and B.F. Yeates soon joined in promoting the new organization in 1996. In 1997, Stock Horse of Texas passed out its first membership cards. The following year, its first group of officers were elected and competitions were offered for the first time.

The Stock Horse of Texas Association (SHTX) was created to promote and support the concept of the versatile stock horse. The strength in this concept lies in the variety of skills developed by both horse and rider in four different disciplines: Reining, Pleasure, Trail, and Working Cow Horse. The true all-around stock horse can handle a variety of situations with ease and athleticism, using natural movement and an attitude that reflects the ranch-type influence of an everyday stock horse.

The SHTX program is designed for riders of all experiences to learn and compete in an environment that is friendly, affordable and designed to fit all levels of riding.

SHTX clinics and shows are held year-round across the state and all breeds of horses are welcome. Participants may enter just the clinic or only one or two classes if they wish. The goal is to improve horses and riders through the all-around stock horse concept. Promoting the versatile stock horse since 1996, the SHT mission continues:

“Helping People Ride a Better Horse”