The Oklahoma State Cowgirls, 2013 Big 12 Equestrian Champions (ostatephoto.com)

Stillwater, OK - It was a close match to the end, but the Oklahoma State Cowgirls earned an 8-6 win over the Kansas State Wildcats at the Animal Science Arena in Stillwater, OK Saturday and were crowned Big 12 Conference champions for the second year in a row, and third time ever.

The Cowgirls jumped to a slim 2-1 lead early on after their Hunter Seat team earned a win in Equitation over Fences. The Wildcats answered back with a 2-1 win in Horsemanship however, and the meet was tied 3-3 at the midway point. A 2-2 tie in equitation on the flat meant that the teams were even heading into Reining, the day's final phase of competition.

The Wildcats took the first point, but the Cowgirls went on to sweep the final three points and secure the victory. 

"I kept preaching to our girls, telling them to continue doing what they've been doing all year," said coach OSU coach Larry Sanchez. "I wanted them to keep focused and not change a thing. Kansas State is a very good team. They were polished and ready to ride this weekend.

All Big 12 awards were presented after the competition, and Oklahoma State Sophmore Katy Krshka, who picked up points in Reining and Horsemanship Saturday, was named horsemanship rider of the year.