West Texas A&M University has a new equestrian coach and instructor of agriculture, and it's a familiar face.

Taylor Moss, assistant coach of the equestrian team for almost four years, has been named to fill the shoes of 10-year head coach Rebekah Bachman, who retired following the 2004-2005 season.

"While we were sorry to lose Rebekah who had been with the program since its beginning, I don't think we could have found a better replacement than Taylor," WTAMU athletic director Ed Harris said.

Moss, who earned a master of science degree in agriculture at WTAMU in 2002, presently is enrolled in the University's doctoral degree program in agriculture. She hails from Homewood, Ala.

She takes over a team with several returning riders and annually high expectations; WTAMU's 2002-2003 equestrian team was Co-National Champion.

"Taylor Moss brings outstanding training, ability and experience to the team," Dr. John Pipkin, director of the University's equine industry program, said. "We are very excited that we can put someone with her talent level into the position.

"I am confident that Taylor will be very successful leading the team and teaching her students."

In addition to coaching the NCAA sport that features western and hunter-seat horse shows in both fall and spring semesters, Moss will teach Horsemanship, Western Horsemanship and English Riding and Jumping. And, of course, there are her doctoral studies.

"I like being busy. I think I work well under pressure," Moss said. "It's an honor taking Rebekah's place. Fortunately I've gotten to work with her for almost four years, and you couldn't ask for a better role model.

"I'll just trust in what she taught me and see if we can be successful."

The WTAMU equestrian team, which historically has competed in Region 2 of Zone 7, is moving this year to Region 1. That means WTAMU will see less of old rivals like Oklahoma State University and Texas A&M University and establish new rivalries with the likes of Texas Tech University and New Mexico State University.

Tryouts for the 2005-2006 equestrian team will be conducted when fall classes commence the last week of August. The first show of the new season is Oct. 1 in Colorado.