USC Aiken Eventers Fare Well in Virginia

Aiken, SC (06/07/2018) — The University of South Carolina Aiken Eventing Team finished the year strong, placing third in the Collegiate Championships at the Virginia Horse Trials in Lexington, Va.

"These girls have absolutely blown me away. As my first year as president [of the team], all I wanted to do was make sure everyone at the Intercollegiate Championships knew USC Aiken was there," said Brooke Webb, a business major from Fort Mill, S.C.

"I have to say we did more than that landing in the top three."

The 2018 U.S. Eventing Association's Intercollegiate Eventing Championship included 18 institutions, 87 collegiate riders and 23 collegiate teams. Auburn, Clemson, North Carolina State, Texas A&M, the University of Kentucky, the University of Maryland, Texas Christian, Virginia Tech and University of Virginia were among the schools represented.

Overall, the Pacers' team came in third. Riders on the USC Aiken team were Grace Fulton, Kirsten LaVassar, Keileigh McMurray and Webb.

"The Intercollegiate Championships at VHT provided a great team experience and a clear goal [which we trained for] throughout the spring," said Fulton, a business major from Finksburg, Md.

"Every member worked to come together as a team, to watch, and support each other at the show, and it made a huge difference. Every member of the team worked to contribute, and hopefully the trend will continue to next year."

In addition to placing in the top three collegiate teams, individual Pacers brought home ribbons.

Almost 450 riders at all levels competed in the individual events. These included collegiate and Olympic riders.

The following Pacers earned individual ribbons:

Brooke Webb, 2nd place, Open Beginner Novice Category

Jessica Wymbs, 2nd place, Beginner Novice Category

Kirsten LaVassar, 3rd place, Training Category

Grace Fulton, 8th place, Junior Young Rider Open Preliminary Category

"Personally, I was thrilled with my horse's go in his first prelim, and I think everyone else was equally as excited for their own rounds," Fulton said.

The team's advisor was very proud of its members' accomplishments.

"The girls and their horses have trained hard all year," said Michelle Hodge. "They have competed and done well together at collegiate events and individually at area trials. Placing third at VHT Collegiate Champs is the icing on the cake.

"Our Pacers will continue to work over the summer, keeping themselves and their horses fit and ready for competition this fall," she added.

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