April 6, 2004
Columbia, S.C. – The University of South Carolina equestrian team had four riders qualify for the Varsity Equestrian Championships, which will be held on April 23-24, in Conyers, Ga. The Gamecocks were in Rome, Ga., this past weekend, at the IHSA Zone 5 Finals. The riders who qualified finished in the top two of their division.
Among the riders who qualified were seniors Lindsey Wilson and Kyra Hufford. Wilson qualified in the Intermediate Hunt Seat class. Hufford qualified in Walk, Trot and Canter and was also named reserve champion in her division. Junior Tara Brothers qualified by winning the Equitation Over Fences division, while Freshman Rachel Sternoff performed well by winning Open Horsemanship.
The Gamecocks also had other riders place well in zones. Sophomore Ashleigh Collins finished third in Intermediate Western Horsemanship. Laura Pipkin finished fourth in both Novice Hunt Seat and Advanced Western Horsemanship. Junior Lindsey Weathers finished fifth in Novice Western Horsemanship. Freshman Dana Hancock finished eighth in Open Hunter Seat Flat
“The team stayed very focused this weekend,” said Head Coach Boo Duncan. ‘We had a few mishaps with getting to the competition that makes for a long travel day on Friday, but the girls really rallied, and as a whole put in their best effort foward in the competition arenas”
The Varsity Equestrian Championships competition will be held at the Georgia International Horse Park. The Gamecocks will co host the competition with the Auburn Tigers and Georgia Bulldogs. The time for the event has yet to be announced.
