Dover (November 25, 2009) ---  Delaware State University head equestrian coach Jennifer Ridgley has announced that Canadian standout Melia Blakely has signed to attend the university and compete for the Hornets during the 2010-11 season.

Blakely, a native of Coldwater, Ontario, captured the 2009 Canadian Appaloosa 18-and-under Reining Championship and was fifth (out of 700 riders) in the 2008 World Reining Horse Association 14-to-18 competition. In addition, she claimed the American Appaloosa Youth World 18-and-under Reserve Championship and was 2009 First Qualifier for the North American Young Riders Championship.  

"Melia attended one of our orientation events and committed to the university that day," said Ridgley, who is in her third season as Delaware State's equestrian coach. "She is one of the top young riders in North America, and will be a tremendous addition to our Western team. Although our program is just in its fourth season, we have drawn interest from top riders in the U.S., Canada and as far away as France."    

The 2009-10 Delaware State equestrian team has completed the fall portion of its schedule, and will return to action on Jan. 29-30 with competitions at Baylor University in Waco, Tex., and at Texas A&M.