The Daily Gamecock

Gamecock equestrian looks to 2019-20 season with new coach

Following a 4-11 Western season, the Gamecock equestrian program looks to improve on its 2018-19 record with the help of new assistant coach for the Western Squad, Jennifer McGrath.

McGrath, who has over 30 years of experience in the equine industry, said she feels helping coach a college team is right where she needs to be right now — especially one that has had national success like South Carolina, which has won three national championships. 

“I am honored and excited to coach for the University of South Carolina," McGrath said. "Coaching a NCEA Equestrian Team has been a long-term goal of mine. Thank you to all those who supported me in this journey. I can’t wait to get started.” 

Head coach Boo Major said she is excited for McGrath to be joining the coaching staff as the Gamecocks look to to the 2019-20 equestrian season. 

"She is an excellent hire for this position," Major said. "Jennifer has a solid all-around background and is working toward completing her [American Quarter Horses Association] judges license in the near future.”

Since 2008, McGrath has run her own business, Jennifer McGrath Performance Horses, in addition to being involved with the Tennessee Quarter Horse Association and the Texas Quarter Horse Association. 

McGrath has equestrian experience at Middle Tennessee State University, where she helped lead the Blue Raiders to multiple regional and national competitions. She also was a rider at Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming. 

In 2017, McGrath was the AQHA Youth World Champion in Western and also had an AQHA National Year End High Point — Youth Western title. 

McGrath is still very involved in the equine industry outside of her title as the new assistant coach at South Carolina. In addition to running her business, she is a judge at the National Snaffle Bit Association World Championship Show and a volunteer at various shows. 

McGrath and the rest of the Gamecock equestrian team look to improve on last season and work to claim its first SEC title since 2014.

The Gamecocks will host an exhibition event on Sept. 13 at their home venue in Blythewood, One Hill Farm. Their first regular season contest will take place at 2 p.m. Sept. 20 against Fresno State at home. 


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