Gamecock Equestrian Alum Amber Henter Wins on Pro Circuit

Oct. 11, 2016

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — University of South Carolina equestrian alumna Amber Henter scored a major victory last week as she was crowned champion of the WCHR World Developing Pro Challenge class at the 2016 Capital Challenge.

Riding a horse named Si Bene, Henter scored a total of 174.57 in the Developing Pro Challenge class and claimed the $1,500 first prize. She took top honors in the class by 0.58 points. Henter works for Val Renihan.

For Henter, who made the decision to turn professional last season and started out on a temporary basis, the victory was validation that her career is on the upswing.

“This is my first year as a pro and my first time at the Capital Challenge, so it was great to have the opportunity to compete in such a strong class against so many seasoned professionals,” Henter said. “Coming away with a championship at the biggest meet of the year so far was very reassuring, and it definitely lets me know that I made the right choice to turn professional last year.”

A three-year hunt seat team captain, Henter rode for the Gamecocks from 2011-15. She finished her collegiate career with 61 individual victories and three M.O.P. awards. The St. Petersburg, Fla., native was a member of South Carolina’s 2013 and 2014 SEC Championship teams and the 2015 NCEA National Championship squad.

Now based out of North Salem, N.Y., Henter credits the leadership opportunities provided by head coach Boo Major and the Gamecocks as a launching pad for her burgeoning professional career.

“My experience at South Carolina has been a great help during my transition into professional riding,” Henter said. “I had a great deal of responsibility when I was on the team, and that really prepared me for life as a professional.”

UP NEXT FOR THE GAMECOCKS

The eighth-ranked Gamecocks (2-1, 1-1 SEC) cap their season-opening home stand on Friday, Oct. 21 when they host No. 10 New Mexico State. The meet will start at 2 p.m. ET at One Wood Farm in Blythewood.