Jan. 20, 2012

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina equestrian coach Boo Major has announced the signing of Abigail Pait (Sparta N.J./Pope John XXIII) to a national letter of intent to join the Gamecocks for the 2012-2013 season. Pait will be competing with South Carolina’s Western team.

Pait trains with Jackie Krshka, Chris Thompson, and her father, Jefferey Pait. She brings an impressive riding resume to the Gamecocks, including the 2011 All-American Quarter Horse Congress. She also placed fifth at the NYATT Horsemanship and 10th in 15-18 Horsemanship. Pait also was a finalist at the NYATT Showmanship and is a Grand Champion Youth Mare. She is also the president of the American Quarter Horse Youth Association.

“We are excited for Abigail to join the Gamecock family. She has worked hard to prepare for college with the guidance of Jackie Krshka, Chris Thompson and her father Jeffrey Pait,” said associate head coach Ruth Sorrel. “Abigail will have an impact on our team both in and out of the arena. She has terrific leadership skills and has been an great voice for the sport of Equestrian in her position as president of the AQHYA.”

A senior at Pope John Paul XXIII High School in Sparta, N.J., Pait is in the Latin Club, Operation Smile, and with a 3.59 GPA, she has been a regular on the school’s Honor Roll.

Abigail Pait was born in Newton, N.J. to parents Bronwyn and Jeffrey Pait. Her father Jeffrey is a World Champion in the AQHA and APHA.