May 16, 2018

THE NEXT RIDE — Raleigh Bacharach

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With the 2017-18 season now complete, it’s time for the Gamecocks to bid farewell to 11 incredible seniors who have each impacted the Carolina program in their own special way. But for these 11 women, the end of their collegiate careers marks the beginning of a new journey, where each of them will make their mark on the world. GamecocksOnline.com is proud to present The Next Ride, spotlighting each senior’s time at Carolina and looking ahead to the next chapter of their lives. Today’s Q&A features Raleigh Bacharach.

Graduation Date, Degree, Major(s):

May 11, 2018, Public Health Major with a Sociology Minor

What was your hardest class at Carolina?

Epidemiology 410 and SOCY 520, Advanced Social Psychology.

How did you pick your major?

My initial involvement with Public Health began in high school and guided my passion to pursue my volunteer experience at the hippotherapy facility, therapeutic horseback riding. During that time, I delved into understanding the health disparities we have throughout the world. I continued to explore areas such as health disparities, prevention methods and program planning; studying these topics shaped my outlook on healthcare, which ultimately led to my decision to major in Public Health.

How did the Carolina Equestrian family help you during your academic career?

The coaches and my teammates were always supportive of my academic goals, such as during my application process for graduate schools. Also having the Dodie Anderson Academic Enrichment Center made my academic challenges much easier, as there were tutors, academic advisors and other resources that ensured each student will experience success.

How did the Carolina Equestrian family help with your post-college career?

Being able to continue my riding career in college allowed me to further my passion for horses and the sport. Opportunities, such as working with Curing Kids Cancer, showed me how horses can give so much joy and happiness to people, which I hope to share in my future career in Hippotherapy.

What competition will you remember most from your time as a Carolina Equestrian student-athlete?

When we won the National Championship in 2015, my freshman year.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

I will attend San Diego State University to pursue a graduate degree in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science.

What’s your advice for young riders interested in joining the Carolina Equestrian program?

Make yourself known to the coaches, whether that is going up to them at competitions or sending them videos of you riding. The more horses you get on, the more the coaches will be able to see your adaptability for each horse.