A large crowd of 2,104 spectators watched TCU take on Texas A&M Friday night. The TCU women’s western equestrian team fell to the defending national champions 5-3 on Saturday.

Freshman Alexi Child said, “It was definitely nice to have so much support. We can just look up there and see everyone.”

There was a 2-2 tie in reining but the Aggies took horsemanship by 3-1.

The Horned Frogs moved to a record of 2-6 with their western team while the Aggies returned home with a perfect 9-0 western team record.

“I was very impressed with how our rides went [Friday], especially against a top team like A&M,” interim western head coach Kindel Huffman said.

Riders perform a preselected pattern to show the athletic ability of the horse, according to nrha1.com. Patterns consist of slow and fast circles, flying lead changes, roll backs over the hocks, 360-degree spins and sliding stops.

Freshman  Katelyn Gray won her first MVP award of her collegiate career. Gray rode Vinny to a 72.5-72 win.

Child said the show was nerve-wracking but inspiring and exciting at the same time. Child rode Charro to a 72.5-71 win in reining.

Junior Kolby Simonson fell short against junior Becca Murray with an Aggie win 69.5-70. Simonson and Murray rode Cash in reining.

Freshman Samantha Bayer rode London to a 70-72 loss. Bayer competed against Aggie sophomore Lindsey Bernbaum.

2011 All-American rider Courtney Chown rode Copy to win 74-73.5 against Aggie junior Carey Nowacek in horsemanship. Chown is the first rider to beat Nowacek this season, ending Nowacek’s winning streak.

Horned Frog junior Alexie Estrada came up with a 70-69.5 loss on Flash against Aggie senior Kelsey Adams.

For only the second time this season, sophomore Taylor Prince was defeated 71.5-71. Prince rode against Katie Lisabeth on Buddy.

Freshman Calli Rouse fell behind on Vinny with a 70-69 loss. Rouse competed against Aggie junior Amanda Brightwell.

The Frogs will compete at the Best of the West Tournament in Fresno, Calif., Feb. 18-19.