94 SIDELINES JUNE 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Kathryn Murphy and Tart competing at the Aiken Horse Show in
the Hitchcock Woods.
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Education – University of South Carolina Aiken
By Kathryn Murphy
The only thing on my mind when I was searching for a college
was whether or not my horse could come, too. It was the summer
after graduation, and as the days grew hotter, the deadline
to choose a college approached. I remember fipping through
millions of brochures and catalogues from different universities,
but few were horse-friendly.
The fear that I might not be able to bring my horse along
slowly started to sink in. Then I found it: The University of South
Carolina Aiken. It was perfect! Not only was I able to ride my own
horse at this college, but it also had an impressive Riding Team
and Equestrian Club. Located in a quaint Southern town, this
University had everything that I’d ever dreamed of - and more.
As part of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, the
Riding Team offers Hunt-Seat. In addition, the Equestrian Club
welcomes students that ride in all disciplines including, but not
limited to: Eventing, Polo, Show Jumping, Dressage and Western.
“My favorite part about being on the Equestrian Club is getting
to know so many people who ride and compete in different
disciplines,” said team member Sarah Weiss.
Tyler Morris, Vice President of the Polo Club pointed out, “There
is a discount at Bridlewood Stables if you do bring your own horse,
but it’s not necessary. The team gets trained horses donated from
professionals.”
USCA is ranked frst in 2013 and within the top three for Public
Regional Colleges in the South by U.S. News and World for
the past 15 years. The college offers an Equestrian Internship
Program as well as an Equine Scholars Program where students
participate within the Equine Industry. “USC Aiken has given me
many opportunities to gain practical experience with the top names
in the feld,” said Paula Kramer, President of the Equestrian Club.
Personally, USCA has enabled me to enjoy my sport. My riding
experience began on a pony who took me to the United States
Equestrian Federation Pony Finals in Show Jumping. With my
current horse, Tart, I competed at the United States Pony Club
Championships in eventing. Now, I enjoy eventing, fox hunting
and polo with Tart in Aiken.
In a town that has a major focus on equestrian, there are always
horse events going on: polo tournaments, The Aiken Triple Crown,
Progressive Show Jumping (PSJ) at Highfelds, Horse Show in
the Hitchcock Woods and recognized horse trials. There are also
at least four foxhunts in the community. The University of South
Carolina is located in the heart of it all!
It has now been three years since I made the decision to attend
USC Aiken and I have never been happier with my choice. If you
love horses and want to ride year-round, then this may also be the
college for you! Consider the University of South Carolina Aiken,
where you can receive an excellent education in a supportive
equestrian community. For more information, go to http://web.
usca.edu/equine/.
About the writer: Kathryn Murphy is a 19-year-old Junior at USC Aiken studying
Communications. Interested in pursuing a career in journalism, she has also
appeared on Horsecity.com and The Saddle Club series.
All photos courtesy of Kathryn Murphy
USC Aiken -
A Supportive Equestrian Community
Kathryn Murphy foxhunting with the Aiken Hounds
USCA students at the Pacers and Polo Spring Classic in Aiken.
From left to right: Drew Siders, Kathryn Murphy, Heather Wright,
Sarah Weiss and Tyler Morris.