March 28, 2013

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina sophomore Katherine Schmidt has been named SEC Rider of the Month in Equitation Over Fences, it was announced today.

Schmidt went 3-0 for the Gamecocks in Equitation Over Fences during South Carolina’s three regular season meets, including back-to-back road wins at top-10 opponents Kansas State and Oklahoma State. In her victory at Oklahoma State, Schmidt posted the Gamecocks’ highest score in the event (85), earning her MVP. Overall in March, Schmidt went 6-0 in Hunt Seat action as she posted an identical 3-0 record in Equitation on the Flat.

Schmidt becomes the fourth Gamecock equestrian to earn SEC Rider of the Month honors this season. Sophomore Amber Henter and freshman Kelsey Urban both picked up Rider of the Month awards in November, and redshirt junior Johnna Letchworth was named SEC Co-Horsemanship Rider of the Month in February.

Schmidt currently has 16 wins for the Gamecocks as the Connecticut native has posted the most wins on the team for the second straight year.

The Gamecocks are now in Auburn, Ala., for this weekend’s SEC Championships. South Carolina will face top-ranked Georgia on Friday, with the winner advancing to Saturday’s championship meet against either Auburn or Texas A&M.