Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowgirl Equestrian Welcomes Lydia Bell
June 30, 2021 | Cowgirl Equestrian
Oklahoma State's Equestrian team has added Reiner Lydia Bell to the roster for the upcoming season.
"I'm most excited about college to hang out and get to know the team, old and new friends," Bell said. "I'm excited to be on the team and get the chance to compete with other girls. What brought me to Oklahoma State was how I loved the team, the home feel of the campus, the friendly people and the opportunity to meet more people in the agriculture industry."
Said OSU Western coach Laura Brainard, "We are thrilled to have Lydia be a part of our family. As an Oklahoma native, she is a natural fit and exudes great character and positivity. Lydia's riding ability and leadership will be an asset to Oklahoma State."
Bell, who hails from Maysville, Oklahoma, has been riding for 15 years, and boasts honors that include the 2020 AQHA Youth World Reining Finals Top 10, 2020-2021 Run for a Million Rookie Qualifier and 2020 NRHA Derby High Point Unrestricted Youth Champion.
Bell plans to major in Animal Science Business and Agriculture Communications. Her hobbies outside of riding include photography, reading and DIY crafts.
No stranger to America's Brightest Orange, Bell has 13 family members who have attended Oklahoma State, including her grandfather, Ray Kimsey, a member of the men's basketball team from 1950-54. Bell also will be her family's seventh collegiate athlete.
Bell's hype song is "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor, her go-to pre-show meal is a cinnamon roll and a strawberry lemonade. Bell's horse show superstitions include wearing lucky socks and listening to certain music.
"We are very excited to have Lydia as a part of our family," OSU head coach Larry Sanchez said. "She will be a tremendous asset to our team both in the arena and in the classroom."
