Blair McFarlin to Participate at the NRHA Derby

June 23, 2016

AUBURN, Ala. ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" Rising sophomore Blair McFarlin of the Auburn equestrian team is set to compete in the Collegiate Reining Championship as part of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby, June 30, at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City.

The competition will feature 12 of the top collegiate riders with four representing the three collegiate associations ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" NRHA, the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA), and the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA).

Following a random draw to determine which horse they will ride, the riders will take part in an ultimate catch ride competition where the participants will compete on horses that they've never ridden before.

"This is such an honor for Blair," Auburn assistant coach Mary Meneely said. "The NRHA is the premiere organization for reining and it is quite the honor to be selected. Blair is definitely deserving and she has earned the opportunity to represent Auburn and the NRHA. We're looking forward to her first ultimate catch ride and many more to come."

McFarlin was chosen to represent the NHRA following an application process. The Franklin, Tenn., product is coming off a stellar freshman season as she played a crucial role in Auburn's run to the SEC and NCEA championships. She finished with eight wins on the season and won all three rides at the national meet. She was placed on the NCEA All-Championship Team, while also being recognized on the SEC All-Freshman team.

McFarlin is the fourth Tiger in program history to be selected for the collegiate competition. She joins Lyndsey Jordan (2009, 2010), Indy Roper (2013) and Stephanie Rucci (2014).

The NRHA Derby runs for one week each summer in Oklahoma City and showcases the world's best reining horses in the four to six-year age range. Thousands of spectators, exhibitors, and horses attend the event each year. The Derby is one of two major events presented by the NRHA each year in Oklahoma City. For more information on this year's Derby, visit www.nrhaderby.com.

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