DOVER, Del. - Delaware State University junior Breann Huyett (Narvon, Pa.) continues to earn "firsts" for Hornet equestrian as she was recently selected as the second alternate for the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby, held Saturday, June 30 in Oklahoma City, Okla.

Her selection marks the first time in school history that a Delaware State rider has been chosen for this event.

Earlier this year, Huyett was one of four to earn All-American honors in the Reining discipline by the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA), also a first in DSU Equestrian history.

Huyett finished the 2011-12 season with a record of 6-1-2 with two MVP awards and an average score of 71.4 in Reining.  She posted a season-high score in the event of 73.5 to earn MVP honors against Fresno State on Sept. 24.  Huyett finished the year with an overall record of 7-11-2 with three total MVP honors, also competing in Equitation over Fences and Horsemanship.

"I cannot express how proud I am of Breann," stated DSU head coach Jennifer Ridgely.  "She has really matured as a student and rider this season and she deserves every single honor that is thrown her way."

Other riders selected for the event are Auburn's Stephanie Rucci and Indy Roper in addition to McKenzie Lantz (Georgia) and Caroline Daniels (Oklahoma State).  Texas Christian's Alexi Child was chosen as the first alternate.

For more information on the 2012 NRHA Derby, please visit http://www.nrhaderby.com/. 

---DSU EQUESTRIAN---