Eva Johnson

Oklahoma Panhandle State University’s equestrian team member, Eva Johnson, is making a name for herself in the reining world with her exceptional talent and relentless drive. A Junior at OPSU from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Eva has built her equestrian career for over 15 years, mastering multiple disciplines ranging from western pleasure to ranch events. But it’s in reining that she’s making serious waves.

Recently, Eva traveled to Las Vegas to compete in one of the most prestigious events in the sport: the High Roller Reining Classic Show. This wasn’t just any competition; these were the qualifying rounds for the coveted 2025 Run for a Million show, which boasts the largest purse in reining history.

Eva entered five highly competitive classes, showcasing her skills and proving why she’s one to watch. In the Level 1 Rookie class, Eva won first place. She followed that up with a third-place finish in the Level 2 Rookie division. Not only did these results earn her accolades, but her overall performance secured her a spot as one of the top 5 rookie high-point finishers—a remarkable achievement given the intense level of competition.

Securing qualifications for the 2025 Run for a Million in both the Non-Pro and Rookie divisions is no small feat. “Getting the opportunity to be part of what they’re calling reining history is mind-blowing,” Eva says. “When I first started reining, I just wanted to learn. Now, I’m competing at some of the biggest and hardest shows in the industry, and I’m holding my own.”

Eva’s journey hasn’t always been easy. She openly shared that before heading to Vegas, she struggled with self-doubt after a challenging show where things didn’t go as planned. Through this challenge, she learned the importance of perseverance. “It’s important not to let the past hold you back. I needed to go into this show with confidence in myself and my horse.

While Eva’s success in the ring is a dream come true, she’s far from done. When she’s not competing, she’s training hard, spending countless hours in the saddle and working with her trainers. “I like to rework any concerns and show my horse that I have confidence in him,” she explains. It’s this dedication and connection with her horse that sets Eva apart.

Eva is a true team player in and out of the arena and has immense sportsmanship. Coach Kacey Ward stated, “Eva is always willing to share her knowledge and help where needed. Whether helping fellow teammates get ready for shows or mentoring at practice, she is a true OPSU student leader.”

After graduation, Eva has her sights set on studying veterinary medicine, specializing in performance equine medicine. With her impressive accomplishments in reining and a bright future ahead, Eva Johnson is not only making OPSU proud but also putting the Panhandle on the map in the equestrian world. Keep an eye out for Eva—she’s only just getting started!