Dec. 14, 2010

ATHENS --- The 5-time national champion Georgia Equestrian squad searched no farther than its own backyard to find the Bulldogs' final signee of the early national signing period.  Social Circle native Sara Parr recently signed a national letter-of-intent to attend UGA and ride for the Bulldog program next season, according to an announcement Tuesday by head coach Meghan Boenig.

Parr is currently a senior at Social Circle High School, where she is a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society, Health Occupational Students of America, and Math Club, as well as a participant in a number of community service projects.  She has also served the past two years as President of the Georgia Quarter Horse Youth Association.  Parr also established and led the Walton County 4-H Horse Club "Show Time" team to the State 4-H Show 2009 & 2010 and was the 4-H Horse Club President from 2007 until 2010.

"I am excited to have Sara join our Bulldog Equestrian team," UGA Western Assistant Coach Mary Meneely said.  "She is a multitalented rider with experience riding young and different horses.  She has won many Georgia Quarter Horse shows, including the prestigious Big A circuit.  She is a goal setter who works extremely hard, has a fabulous attitude and tremendous athletic ability."

In the past year Parr has qualified nationally and/or at state Level in multiple events, including AQHYA World Show, Georgia Quarter Horse Association 14-18, Youth All Around and Senior Stock Seat Division All Around Champion Georgia 4-H State Show.  In 2008 she was a Stars and Stripes Circuit champion and a finalist in several national events.

Parr becomes the seventh high school senior to sign with the Bulldogs during the early signing period.  She joins Western signees Gillian Chant of Abilene, Texas; Erin Duddy of Montague, N.J., Paige Stawicki of Argyle, Texas; Lauren Tieche of Ocala, Fla.; and Samantha Belcher of Carbondale, Colo.; and Hunt Seat signee Kylee Arbuckle of Torrance, Calif.