Feb. 23, 2016

GASTON, S.C. – The South Carolina women’s golf program took part in a unique team-building exercise on Monday when they learned more about effective communication through equine therapy.

The Gamecocks paired up with Dale Phillips from Broken Wing Ranch of Tennessee at a farm in Gaston, S.C., where four horses were present. Members of the team took part in several individual and group exercises with the horses in an effort to build trust with one another. Phillips and the horses helped illustrate the importance of supporting each other’s personal goals so that the Gamecocks can be more successful as a team.

“Dale has the innate talent and ability to teach others to connect on a very deep level and stay accountable to one another,” women’s golf coach Kalen Anderson said. “It was an emotional and remarkable day with the team, and I am excited about what we can accomplish together moving forward.”

About Equine Therapy
Equine therapy is the discipline of using horses as a means to provide metaphoric experiences in order to promote emotional growth and teambuilding. It allows for individuals to develop self-awareness and connectedness through a general understanding of themselves and how they relate to a team. Participants in the exercises move through addressing and overcoming their challenges to build a healthier sense of themselves and their team.

South Carolina returns to action next week when it hosts the fifth annual Darius Rucker Intercollegiate (March 4-6) at Long Cove Club in Hilton Head Island, S.C. The Gamecocks recently moved up to No. 29 in the latest Golfweek rankings following their second-place showing at the FSU Match-Up earlier this month.