Reed signs for TCU equestrian program

By Bill Knight
The Quitman County Democrat

Following graduation, Mary Gracen Reed, a senior at Delta Academy will join the ranks of the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs as she signed a National Letter of Intent to participate in the TCU equestrian program.

Having competed in equestrian events all over the south and throughout the western region of the U.S., Mary Gracen, daughter of Gaylon and Judy Reed of Batesville, said she will be competing in the event of reining at TCU. As a current competitor in the equestrian all-around, Reed has experience in showmanship, cutting, riding, halter, and jumping. She said her experience of working with different horses will benefi t her in the program at TCU. 
She will not be able to carry her personal horse, “U. F. Light Smoke,” because in the university system, participants must draw the horse that they will ride in a particular scheduled event. Reed said horses have different personalities and her past experience in changing from one horse to another will be of help to her when she is at TCU.
 Reed said she loves traveling to equestrian events with her family, and that her favorite venues are Delmar, Calif. and Las Vegas. 
At TCU, Reed plans to study business.  Having spent so much time there, Reed said Texas already feels like home, but she is not sure yet how it will feel to be away from the Delta as she is very close to her family.