TR Potts

Head Coach Carol Gwin announced the hiring of T.R. Potts as Gamecock Equestrian’s newest Western coach in July of 2024.

“I am thrilled to have TR join our program as a coach for our western team,” Gwin said. “He will bring a huge amount of knowledge and enthusiasm for our student athletes.”

Potts began his horse career as a professional horseman working for several different trainers and stables before starting his own business, Potts Performance Horses, LLC, in 2000. PPH was originally built in East Windsor, CT and was relocated to Fountain Inn, SC in 2013.

Potts brings a wealth of experience to the University of South Carolina’s Equestrian team, having trained horses for all levels of competition, from youth to amateur to professional. He has brought clients to the winner’s circle several times including the All American Quarter Horse Congress, The AQHA World Show, The AQHYA World Show, The NSBA World Show, The Appaloosa Nationals as well as AQHA year-end high-point winners.

Potts is a dedicated and passionate horseman known for his positive attitude and commitment to helping others. As a strong role model, Potts is a valuable asset to the University of South Carolina’s Western team as he possesses the unique skill of teaching riders to relate horsemanship to the mechanics of the horse, creating strong, educated and effective horsemen that are capable of piloting a wide variety of horses.  Potts looks forward to continuing to build a successful team, not only developing strong riders but also helping to build our athletes inside and outside the arena.

“As a person with immense respect for the NCEA sport, it is an honor to join and be a part of the bright future of the University of South Carolina’s Equestrian team,” Potts said.

A third-generation horseman from Boone, Iowa, Potts attended Boone High School where he was a wrestler. After high school, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University in 1998. Potts resides in South Carolina with his wife Christine, and two children, daughter Alexis and son Riley.