Dec. 18, 2006

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina equestrian head coach Boo Duncan recently announced the signing of their final commitment of the fall period. Western rider Hailey Thornton of Mishawaka, Ind. will join the Gamecocks in Fall 2007.

“We are so pleased to have signed Hailey. She will add a new dimension to our horsemanship riders and I expect her to be a solid contributor to our team during her time here at Carolina,” said Duncan. “Her experience in all aspects of western riding will help her succeed at the college level.”

The 2006 All American Quarter Horse Congress Novice Youth Trail Champion, was also a finalist in the 15-18 Showmanship. She finished eighth in horsemanship at the AQHA Youth World Show and is a two-time Indian Quarter Horse Youth Association (IQHYA) 14-18 year end all-around champion.

In 2005, Thornton finished seventh in the NYATT Horsemanship, and was a finalist in the15-18 Showmanship and equitation at the All American Quarter Horse Congress. She also finished fourth in the Novice Youth trail and 10th in Showmanship at the AQHA Youth World Show.

Thornton attends Penn High School and is currently on the AQHYA board of directors for Region 4. She also served on the board in 2005-06 in addition to the serving as the vice president of IQHYA.