June 26, 2009

BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. – South Carolina junior Chloe Gray has qualified to participate in the Collegiate Reining Invitational at the 2009 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby, held Saturday June 27 at the State Fair Arena in Oklahoma City.

Twelve riders from both varsity and non-varsity schools were selected for the Collegiate Reining Championship competition, which is held in conjunction with the NRHA Derby. Four riders were chosen based on performance at the Varsity Equestrian National Championships (VENC), four more were chosen based on performance at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) National Championships, while the final four were selected based on their non-collegiate performance in the sport of reining over the past two years.

“We are so excited Chloe qualified for the collegiate class again this year,” South Carolina Western coach Ruth Sorrel said. “We appreciate the NRHA doing this class every year. Chloe continues to get better, and we are looking forward to Saturday morning!”

Gray went 7-4 with two MVP rides as a sophomore in the 2008-09 season. She was a member of the Southern Equestrian Championship and VENC Gamecock teams, earning a victory at the S.E.C.’s against Auburn. Last season, Gray placed seventh at the NRHA Derby with a score of 215.00.