COLUMBIA, S.C. – The top-ranked Gamecock equestrian team has signed two-time AQHA Congress champion Courtney Allen (Omaha, Neb./Millard West) to an NLI to join Carolina beginning with the 2013-2014 season.
“We’re excited to have Courtney join us for next season, she has really excelled in horsemanship, showmanship, and trail,” South Carolina head coach Boo Major said. “She’s a great all-around rider, and since her dad Jeff has trained her along with Michael Colvin and Clint Ainsworth, we know we’re getting someone who can be effective of a variety of horses. “
Allen will join the Gamecocks with an impressive riding resume. In 2011, she earned Reserve World Champion at the American Quarter Horse Youth Association World Show in Oklahoma City. She is also a two-time American Quarter Horse Association Congress Champion. Allen also has multiple top-ten finishes at the AQHYA World Show and AQHA Congress.
“Courtney is an experienced rider and her father Jeff has done a great job training her,” Western coach Ruth Sorrel said. “Jeff, along with Clint Ainsworth and Michael Colvin, have worked hard with Courtney and her experience riding different types of horses will help her at the college level and we’re looking forward to having her on our team.”
A senior at Millard West High School in Omaha, Neb., Allen has made the school’s honor roll all four years. Along with her experience with the AQUA and NSBA, Allen is also a member of the Nebraska Quarter Horse Association and Kansas Quarter Horse Association.
Allen is the daughter of Jeff and Windy Allen. She has a younger sister named Caitlin. Allen chose South Carolina over Baylor University.
CLICK HERE to view the Coach Major’s comments about Courtney’s signing.
