April 7, 2005

Columbia, S.C.-The University of South Carolina Equestrian team will host Georgia and Auburn in the Southern Equestrian Championships on Saturday, April 9th at OneWood Farm in Blythewood, S.C. The competition is scheduled to kickoff at 9 a.m.

Unlike the usual format of only two schools competing head-to-head, the upcoming meet will include three schools. The University of Georgia as well as Auburn University will send two equestrian teams each, Hunt Seat and Western. All three schools will compete against each other, each one trying for the highest score.

“The format will be similar (to how it has been in the previous meets) except there will be three teams competing and only four competitors per division. Instead of dropping two scores per discipline, we will only drop one per discipline,” said Head Coach Boo Duncan.

Competing in Equitation on the Flat are Tara Brothers, Krisen Terebesi, Claire Sharp, and Kelly Campbell. Riding in the Equitaiton Over Fences portion are Tara Brothers, Kristen Terebesi, Kelley Campbell and Chesea Koornick. During the Horsemanship competition, visitors can watch Rachel Sternoff, Katy Biffle, Allison Bradley, and Michelle Grah ride. Lastly, riding in Reining will be Laura Pipkin, Rachel Sternoff, Katy Biffle and Lindsey Weathers.

The meet is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. and will continue until approximately 7 p.m. During that time, English and Western portions of the competition will take place simultaneously. Visitors will have the opportunity to watch Equitation on the Flat and Horsemanship at the same time. Later, Jumping and Reining will commence. The Awards Ceremony will be held at the Ramada Inn at 7pm.

Directions to OneWood Farm: Take I-77 North to Exit 27, (Blythewood Road). Turn left back over the interstate and past the University Club. Take the first road on the right, which is Syrup Mill Road, and OneWood Farm is the first driveway on the left.