May 16, 2006

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina equestrian riders Rachel Sternoff and Lindsay Williams have been selected to compete in the Collegiate Reining Championships at the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby, May 20 in Oklahoma City. Sternoff and Williams will have a chance to compete for an individual national reining title at the Derby.

Held at the Oklahoma State Fair Park each Spring, this is the NRHA’s premier event for reining. There are only 12 riders selected to compete in the collegiate portion of the competition and USC landed two. Sternoff received a bid to compete after her performance at the Varsity Equestrian National Championships. Williams was selected through the NRHA as an at-large bid according to previous accomplishments NRHA competitions.

South Carolina is one of three schools, Oklahoma State and Auburn University that have two riders participating in the event.

Founded in 1966, the NRHA is an organization dedicated to the promotion of the reining horse. It serves as the standard setting body for the sport of Reining worldwide. For more information on the Derby, visit www.nrha.com.