Paddy Named NCEA Horse of the Month

WACO, Texas – Paddy, longtime part of the South Carolina equestrian team, has been named NCEA Horse of the Month for October, conference officials announced on Monday.  

“Paddy came to us as a reiner but he has also shown he can compete in horsemanship as well,” head coach Boo Major said. “Never taken a lame step and is happy all the time except when you tighten his girth. He already has a forever home with one of our former student athletes when he’s ready to retire. He is affectionately known as ‘The Wagon’ because of the name Paddy. He is a mainstay in our program and we can always rely on him to get things done.”

Paddy carried junior Alexa Thorpe to her 78-76 win over Auburn’s Deanna Green in the lone South Carolina meet of the month. With his win, Paddy becomes the sixth steed to claim the NCEA Horse of the Month award following in the hoofprints of Reggie, Ollie, Volan, Magnum and Cal before him. 

The Gamecocks wrap up their fall schedule on Friday when the Georgia Bulldogs come to town. The meet is set for a 1 p.m. start at OneWood Farm. 

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic fans will NOT be allowed at OneWood Farm during the meets this fall. Limited access for family members on the team’s guest list will be allowed, but anyone not already on the list will NOT be permitted into the facility.