TAMUC Students Honored in Heroes on Horses Parade in Fort Worth
Two Texas A&M University-Commerce students participated in the inaugural Heroes on Horses Parade & Western Pleasure class during the American Paint Horse Association World Show in Fort Worth on July 4, 2024. Students Timothy Smith and Florence Combs placed 7th and 8th, respectively, out of 18 participants in the event.
![](https://www.tamuc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/HeroesonHorses2-1143x1429.jpg)
Through a partnership between the National Snaffle Bit Association and the American Paint Horse Association, the event honors disabled veterans, active military personnel, and retired veterans, enabling them to compete and be recognized within the horse show community.
Several volunteers came together to make the event happen, including A&M-Commerce alum Shelby Williams, who coaches riders before and during the competition. She also helped Combs and Smith get involved with the event. Other volunteers include Stable Strides Farms and founder Mandy Cleveland, who provided horses for the event.
![](https://www.tamuc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/HeroesonHorses1-1.jpg)
Combs and Smith both served in the U.S. Army and are now retired. Combs is a staff sergeant, while Smith is a lieutenant colonel. Both students are pursuing equine studies at A&M-Commerce.
Read the event press release.
More Student Success
View All Student Success![A side by side photo collage of two rodeo competitors.](https://www.tamuc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Rodeo-collage-2025-1-700x394.jpg)
ETAMU Boasts Two Event Winners at Annual Home Rodeo
The East Texas A&M Rodeo Team had two individual event winners at its 6th annual home rodeo.
![At left, Dr. Sandy Kimbrough stands next to a 2024 TAHPERD Award Winners sign showing a picture of her. On the right side of the image stands a female student with a male student behind her.](https://www.tamuc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ETAMU-Kimbrough-at-101-TAHPERD-700x394.png)
Department of Health and Human Performance Shines at Annual Industry Conference
Faculty and students from the department received awards and presented workshops at the premier industry conference.
![A football player in uniform during a game.](https://www.tamuc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/etamu_hcu_action_0262-700x467.jpg)
Tucker’s Defensive Player of the Year Award Highlights Lion Football SLC Accolades
East Texas A&M University linebacker Brandon Tucker was honored as the Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year, highlighting four all-conference honors for the Lion football program.