The student serving as Texas Tech’s Masked Rider was hospitalized after a riding accident involving the university’s mascot horse Friday evening during an event on campus.
Texas Tech released a statement Friday evening, confirming the accident and that the Masked Rider – Rose Rosas – was apparently recovering and in good spirits.
“During an appearance at a campus event earlier this evening (Aug. 15), the Texas Tech Masked Rider was involved in a riding incident and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation,” the statement reads. “She is recovering and remains in good spirits. Centennial Champion, the Masked Rider horse, was secured and is safe. At this time, no further details are available.”
The accident came as Texas Tech is hosting the Raider Red Meats Barbecue & Ribeye Championship in the Commuter West parking lot outside the Animal & Food Sciences Building Friday and Saturday on campus.
Rosas, a junior animal science major from Brady, Texas, took over the reins of Tech’s mascot horse, Centennial Champion, during the Transfer of Reins cremony on April 18, the Avalanche-Journal reported at the time. She became the 64th Makes Rider in the program’s 71-year history.
Rosas took the reins as Texas Tech’s 64th Masked Rider
The first-generation college student had served as an assistant in the position during the previous two seasons.
“I would love to give back in my role as a Rider to the (Texas Tech) university and hopefully leave a lasting impact from my year and most importantly, leave the program better than where I found it,” Rosas said during the Transfer of Reins ceremony in April.
Spirit Program Director Stephanie Rhode, who has led the program for the last 22 years, in April said she was thrilled to see Rosas in the saddle.
“Rose has shown her tremendous devotion to the Masker Rider Program over the past few years, and I look forward to seeing her take the reins as our 64th Masked Rider,” Rhode said.
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This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas Tech Masked Rider injured, recovering after riding accident at campus event
Reporting by Adam D. Young, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal / Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
