Oklahoma State University Equestrian

Leading the Oklahoma State Equestrian program is head coach Larry Sanchez. Entering his 27th year at Oklahoma State, Sanchez continues to bring national titl...

Ashley Duda joined the Oklahoma State program as its new Assistant Jumping Seat Coach in July 2025. “I'm very excited to add Coach Ashley Duda to my staff,” said OSU head coach Larry Sanchez. “I have known her for a long time and have always admired her coaching style and how her teams ride. I know she is going to be a great fit in our program and is an excellent addition to our family.” Duda brings a wide range of experience at both the collegiate and national levels. She most recently served on the coaching staff at South Carolina and has also held coaching roles at Kansas State and St. Andrews University. Her coaching résumé includes regional and zone championships, national top 10 team finishes and individual rider success across IHSA and NCEA competition formats. Duda joins a Cowgirl program that has won five consecutive Big 12 Championships and secured the NCEA Championship in 2022.

Jody Brainard enters his second year as one of OSU's reining consultants. Larry Sanchez announced the hiring of Brainard in September 2023. "We are very excited to have Jody Brainard join our team," Sanchez said. "The experience he brings is going to benefit our team greatly. His insight, from serving as Chair of Officials for the NRHA, will give our team an edge in being nationally competitive year in and year out." In his role, Brainard will serve as a consultant for OSU's reining squad and will co-coach the event alongside his niece, Laura Brainard. Brainard brings over 40 years of experience to OSU's team, highlighted by his time spent as a professional horseman and his established credibility in training horses. He's held titles such as official, researcher, monitor and mentor to go along with his status as a professional. A leader in the industry, he's provided his services on the National Reining Horse Association judges committee, where he has participated in all the major NRHA events during his career. "The sport of reining is exploding," Brainard said. "There is no better way to stay involved than being part of the OSU Equestrian team. It's a dynamic program and I'm excited to get started." Brainard is a multiple time world champion in reining and joins OSU as a credited success story. Prior to OSU, Brainard spent time as a professional coach and teacher for youth and non-pro riders alike. Likewise, he's trained several riders to world titles. "Jody's knowledge and

Kate Pollard is in her eighth season as the director of operations for OSU equestrian. Born in Bismarck, N.D., her family moved to El Paso, Texas, when she was four years old and that is where she was raised. Pollard grew up riding horses and playing sports. Pollard married in December of 2018 to Jarod Pollard, and they live in Mulhall, Okla. In April of 2020 they had their daughter, Jolee (Jojo), and their son, Jett, was born in June 2022. Pollard rode for New Mexico State’s equestrian team, competing in horsemanship and reining, and served as team captain her senior year. Prior to her time at OSU, Pollard (previously Chesley), worked for the Kansas State equestrian team for six years. During her time there she worked in several capacities - graduate assistant for three years, assistant coach for two, and director of operations in the teams’ final season. She was responsible for all administrative duties for the team, assisted with practices, planned team travel, show manager for home competitions, assisted in managing the budget, oversaw horse care and management of student employees, worked with barn manager to coordinate horse care, as well as with the vet for emergency and routine care. Pollard's primary duties at Oklahoma State are assisting the head coach with managing all internal aspects of the program, all administrative duties for the team, coordinating staff and team travel, and recruit visits, as well as show manager for home meets.

Laura Brainard is entering her seventh year as Oklahoma State Equestrian's assistant western coach and first year as the associate head coach During her time...