Nov. 29, 2012

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COLUMBIA, S.C. – Two South Carolina riders were named SEC Riders of the Month for November, it was announced today.

Sophomore Hunt Seat captain Amber Henter picked up the honor in Equitation Over Fences, while freshman Kelsey Urban received the nod in Horsemanship. Both riders are the first Gamecocks to receive this honor from the Southeastern Conference.

“I’m very proud of both Amber and Kelsey and I know their teammates are excited for them,” South Carolina head coach Boo Major said. “Amber put up 12 wins for us last season, so it’s no surprise to see her doing so well this year. She’s a great team captain and has been a great leader for our Hunt Seat team. And Kelsey has been terrific for us as well – to go 3-0 on the road as a freshman is pretty remarkable, and she’s really been great for us in the lineup.”

Henter, a sophomore from St. Petersburg, Fla., went 4-0 in Equitation Over Fences during the month of November. All four of her wins came on the road, beginning with her victory at No. 1 Georgia on Nov. 2. During South Carolina’s three-meet road trip to Texas, Henter went 3-for-3, with wins over Texas A&M, Baylor, and Southern Methodist. Henter is currently 6-0 in Equitation Over Fences and has the SEC’s best record in the event.

Urban, a freshman from East Hampton, Conn, went 3-0 during the month of November, with all three of her victories also coming on the road. In the upset win over No. 1 Georgia on Nov. 2, she won her first point as a Gamecock while also winning her first career Most Outstanding Player award, as she scored an event-high 76 to defeat her Bulldog opponent. Her She closed out the month with victories at Texas A&M and Baylor, giving her a 3-1 overall record.

The Gamecocks ended the fall season two weeks ago and closed out the fall with a No. 1 ranking. South Carolina resumes competition in the spring, when the Gamecocks host No. 3 Georgia on Feb. 2 at 1 p.m. in Blythewood.