April 29, 2003

Athens, Ga. – USC Equestrian finished third in the Southern Equestrian Championships behind Georgia and Auburn. The Championship was conducted using a format that is hoped will become the new format once equestrian reaches varsity status in the NCAA.

In the preliminary round, USC went head to head with Vanderbilt in a competition that used a designated pattern in Western and Hunt Seat on the flat. There was also a competition over fences and in reining between the two schools. Each rider was given a score for their performances at the end of the match, all scores were added and USC came out on top in the preliminaries against Vanderbilt.

In Hunt Seat, sophomore Tara Brothers was the most consistent performer both equitation on the flat and over fences. Junior Lindsey Wilson, senior Sarah Tomasi and freshman Chelsea Koornick also put in solid performances.

In Western, freshman Laura Pipken was the most solid performer in reining and horsemanship followed closely by sophomore Kerrie Reeves and junior Kyra Hufford.

“We really enjoyed the new format,” Coach Duncan said. “I think our team will excel in all phases of this format once we gain a little more experience and confidence.”

The Equestrian Team’s final competition will be held this weekend. The Lady Gamecocks will take two individuals to Nationals in Mufreesboro, Tennessee at MTSU. Senior Michelle Jenkins will compete in individual Walk/Trot and junior Lindsey Wilson will compete in individual Novice Over Fences. The competition runs May 2-4.