Dec. 14, 2007

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina native Tara Gail Bostwick has signed with the University of South Carolina equestrian program for the 2008-09 season. Bostwick, who goes by the nickname “T.G.”, is ranked 11th nationally in the Large Junior Hunter (16-17) division and comes to the Gamecocks from Aiken Prep.

“It’s always nice to add a South Carolina girl to the team and we are very pleased that T.G. has decided to sign with us,” head coach Boo Duncan said. “She comes from a very horsy family and has a well-rounded riding background, which will help her excel in equestrian at the collegiate level.”

Bostwick has competed at the 2007 USEF National Medal Finals and the ASPCA Maclay National Finals. She currently stands first in the Zone 4 Large Junior Hunter division. In addition, she was named the 2007 Zone 4 Champion and the SCHJA Champion in Large Junior 16-17 after being named the 2006 Reserve Champion in Zone 4 Large Junior 15 and under. In 2005, she placed fourth in Zone 4 Small Junior 15 and under.

At Aiken Prep, Bostwick is a member of the National Honor Society, the National Beta Club, the National Society of High School Scholars and is an Erskine Scholar. She is trained by Daniel Geitner and Don Stewart.

A fourth generation equestrian, Bostwick is the granddaughter of world-renowned gentleman jockey, racehorse trainer and polo player G. H. Bostwick. She is the daughter of Charlie and Tara Bostwick.

The addition of Bostwick to the roster will give the Gamecocks four South Carolina natives for the 2008-09 season. She will join juniors Rebekah Roof and Lindsay Pace along with freshman Luci Laffitte as in-state members of the team.