TALENT REPRESENTATION
Fairland Ferguson
Fairland Ferguson
Survivalist • Equestrian Performer • Reality TV Personality
Fairland Ferguson is an American survivalist, elite equestrian performer, and reality television personality best known for her appearance on Naked and Afraid. With a life defined by resilience, discipline, and an unbreakable connection to the outdoors, Fairland has built a career that bridges extreme survival, world-class equestrian performance, and inspirational storytelling.
A Story of Resilience
At just 20 years old, Fairland survived a near-fatal accident while cliff diving at Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. The fall resulted in 46 broken bones and severe facial injuries, leaving doctors uncertain if she would ever walk again or retain vision in her left eye. Through a year of intensive rehabilitation and sheer determination, she defied every medical prediction—an experience that reshaped her outlook on life and forged the mental toughness that defines her today.
World Class Equestrian Career
A highly skilled trick rider and horse trainer, Fairland has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages. She began her professional career at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede before joining the internationally acclaimed equestrian spectacle Cavalia in 2009. As a featured performer, she captivated global audiences with advanced Roman riding, including leading teams of six horses while standing astride two—demonstrating exceptional balance, strength, and trust between horse and rider.
Television & Media
Fairland’s extraordinary life journey has drawn national media attention. In 2020, she was featured on PBS’s Unladylike2020, which highlighted pioneering women who defy convention, drawing comparisons between Fairland and early 20th-century horse diver Sonora Webster Carver.
In 2024, Fairland appeared on Discovery Channel’s Naked and Afraid, surviving 21 days in a remote jungle with no food, water, shelter, or clothing. Her performance showcased her adaptability, endurance, and deep respect for nature, quickly establishing her as a standout participant.
Current & Future Endeavors
Today, Fairland continues to work professionally in horse training and equestrian management while expanding her presence in media and entertainment. She is actively exploring opportunities to host a survival-themed talk show that blends real-world skills, storytelling, and adventure-driven entertainment.
Driven by her own recovery journey, Fairland has also expressed interest in transitioning into healthcare, with a mission to support others facing serious medical challenges through advocacy, education, and lived experience.
A Life Lived Fully
Fairland Ferguson embodies resilience, versatility, and authenticity. Whether in the wilderness, the arena, or on screen, she brings grit, grace, and purpose—making her a compelling voice in survival, performance, and inspirational media. Naked and Afraid Episode Summary Unbreakable (Season 17, Episode 8) – Aired April 7, 2024
This episode follows equestrian stunt rider Fairland, recently recovering from a near-fatal fall, as she and a partner attempt to survive 21 days in the Colombian jungle. Facing extreme hunger and harsh conditions, Fairland's resilience is put to the ultimate test as the duo struggles to find food, with her partner leaving early in the challenge. Viewers praised her remarkable grit and perseverance, calling her struggle against starvation one of the most intense displays of willpower in the series. While the episode emphasizes hardship over thriving, it stands out for its raw portrayal of survival and inspiring determination, making it compelling television despite the difficult circumstances. MEDIA Guilford County woman competes on 'Naked and Afraid' Celebrity Chatter & Things That Matter With Elijah Fairland on PetLifeRadio Fairland's Impressive Survival Skills on Naked and Afraid Fairland Fergusson rides with Cavalia - a spectacular equestrian theatrical experience Fairland Ferguson discusses her experience on the reality TV show Fairland Ferguson - My Life | Performer "Cavalia" performer Fairland Ferguson recovers from a cliff fall to ride again. CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta reports Instagram: @fairlandfergusonTikTok: @fairlandferguson X: @fergster23
Fairland Ferguson is an American survivalist, elite equestrian performer, and reality television personality best known for her appearance on Naked and Afraid. With a life defined by resilience, discipline, and an unbreakable connection to the outdoors, Fairland has built a career that bridges extreme survival, world-class equestrian performance, and inspirational storytelling.
A Story of Resilience
At just 20 years old, Fairland survived a near-fatal accident while cliff diving at Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. The fall resulted in 46 broken bones and severe facial injuries, leaving doctors uncertain if she would ever walk again or retain vision in her left eye. Through a year of intensive rehabilitation and sheer determination, she defied every medical prediction—an experience that reshaped her outlook on life and forged the mental toughness that defines her today.
World Class Equestrian Career
A highly skilled trick rider and horse trainer, Fairland has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages. She began her professional career at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede before joining the internationally acclaimed equestrian spectacle Cavalia in 2009. As a featured performer, she captivated global audiences with advanced Roman riding, including leading teams of six horses while standing astride two—demonstrating exceptional balance, strength, and trust between horse and rider.
Television & Media
Fairland’s extraordinary life journey has drawn national media attention. In 2020, she was featured on PBS’s Unladylike2020, which highlighted pioneering women who defy convention, drawing comparisons between Fairland and early 20th-century horse diver Sonora Webster Carver.
In 2024, Fairland appeared on Discovery Channel’s Naked and Afraid, surviving 21 days in a remote jungle with no food, water, shelter, or clothing. Her performance showcased her adaptability, endurance, and deep respect for nature, quickly establishing her as a standout participant.
Current & Future Endeavors
Today, Fairland continues to work professionally in horse training and equestrian management while expanding her presence in media and entertainment. She is actively exploring opportunities to host a survival-themed talk show that blends real-world skills, storytelling, and adventure-driven entertainment.
Driven by her own recovery journey, Fairland has also expressed interest in transitioning into healthcare, with a mission to support others facing serious medical challenges through advocacy, education, and lived experience.
A Life Lived Fully
Fairland Ferguson embodies resilience, versatility, and authenticity. Whether in the wilderness, the arena, or on screen, she brings grit, grace, and purpose—making her a compelling voice in survival, performance, and inspirational media. Naked and Afraid Episode Summary Unbreakable (Season 17, Episode 8) – Aired April 7, 2024
This episode follows equestrian stunt rider Fairland, recently recovering from a near-fatal fall, as she and a partner attempt to survive 21 days in the Colombian jungle. Facing extreme hunger and harsh conditions, Fairland's resilience is put to the ultimate test as the duo struggles to find food, with her partner leaving early in the challenge. Viewers praised her remarkable grit and perseverance, calling her struggle against starvation one of the most intense displays of willpower in the series. While the episode emphasizes hardship over thriving, it stands out for its raw portrayal of survival and inspiring determination, making it compelling television despite the difficult circumstances. MEDIA Guilford County woman competes on 'Naked and Afraid' Celebrity Chatter & Things That Matter With Elijah Fairland on PetLifeRadio Fairland's Impressive Survival Skills on Naked and Afraid Fairland Fergusson rides with Cavalia - a spectacular equestrian theatrical experience Fairland Ferguson discusses her experience on the reality TV show Fairland Ferguson - My Life | Performer "Cavalia" performer Fairland Ferguson recovers from a cliff fall to ride again. CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta reports Instagram: @fairlandfergusonTikTok: @fairlandferguson X: @fergster23