On June 27, Lyndsey Jordan won the Collegiate Reining Championships at the 2009 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) after being chosen as one of the top 12 collegiate riders in the country.
It was an exciting accomplishment for the Kentucky native as she represented Auburn with her win.
"It was challenging, but a lot of fun," said Jordan, a senior western rider and communications major. "It was an honor to represent Auburn."
Jordan said she went in with a boost of confidence after winning another class just before the Collegiate Reining Championships.
Unlike regular college competitions, the championships consisted of 12 riders with only five horses, instead of 12 horses for 12 girls. This allowed the luck of the draw to play into the skills of riding.
Jordan drew to compete later within the competition, but was unable to watch and analyze her horse before competing.
"I was worried a little bit," said Jordan. "Once I got on him and rode I was confident that I could have a good ride."
Auburn's equestrian head coach Greg Williams was excited to watch Jordan do so well.
"She had a huge run," said Williams. "Her horse was a perfect fit."
Many of Jordan's teammates, friends and family traveled to Oklahoma City, to watch her compete, including junior western rider Bailey Dymond.
"She's very good at figuring out horses," said Dymond, an animal science major. "She's gives it her best and rides to win."
Before competing with Auburn's equestrian team, Jordan grew up on a farm in Georgetown, Ky., with her father Harold and her mother Becky who raise racing horses.
"Riding is second nature to her," Dymond said.
Although this was Jordan's first time to win the Collegiate Reigning Championships, it was not her first appearance. In both the 2007 and 2008 championships, Jordan came in third place.
In this years competition, Jordan marked a 218, finishing ahead of Maggie Gratny of Texas A&M and Alicia Daugherty of Texas Tech. Both tied for second with a score of 214.5
"She blew everyone out of the water on her run," said Dymond. "No one could stand close to her ride."
After watching Jordan's run and seeing the other competitors, Williams was confident in her chances of winning.
"With her horse I knew her chances were good," said Williams. "I was excited about her run and her winning."
Dymond was also confident with her teammate's run.
"She rode to win and (her horse) helped her out," Dymond said.
Some of Jordan's previous awards include receiving MVP honors against TCU, Oklahoma State, Fresno State and New Mexico State during the 2007-08 season. In the 2006-07 season she won the American Quarter Horse Congress Reining Competition.
Jordan will continue to compete this fall with Auburn's equestrian team, eager for another big win for herself and her team in her final year.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
