The University of Southern California (USC) has a unique and notable mascot for their equestrian team. This mascot, known as Traveler, is a white horse that has been a part of USC's tradition for many years. Traveler serves as a symbol of strength, pride, and tradition for the university and its equestrian program. The idea for Traveler as a mascot originated in the 1960s when a USC Trojan fan, Richard Saukko, rode a white horse named Traveler during a football game halftime show. The crowd loved the spectacle, and Traveler quickly became an unofficial mascot for the university. Eventually, the university adopted Traveler as an official symbol for all USC equestrian teams.
The USC football horse is called Traveler (one L), while Lee’s horse was known as Traveller (two L’s).
At the University of Southern California, a student group has declared the equine mascot of the school s Trojans football team to be a symbol of white supremacy. The student group s leader voiced her disapproval of the home team horse s name earlier this week, at an on-campus rally to protest last week s violence in Charlottesville, Va.
Eventually, the university adopted Traveler as an official symbol for all USC equestrian teams. Traveler has become a beloved figure at USC, making appearances at various sporting events and public functions. The horse is usually ridden by a student, known as the Trojan Rider, who is dressed in traditional Trojan armor.
University South Carolina Equestrian Team
Members of USC Equestrian Team L to R, Kirklen Petersen, McKenzie Duncan, Raleigh Bacharach. Photo © Nancy D. Brown
If you are a horse-crazy girl, you probably dream of going off to college with your horse. Where I live, in Northern California, it is entirely possible to go to university and bring your horse with you. There are plenty of veterinary medicine students studying at University of California Davis and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo has a mustang horse as their mascot, so you can bet they have a competitive equestrian team. Recently I had the pleasure of visiting Columbia, South Carolina and meeting several members of the University of South Carolina equestrian team. There are many things to see and do in Columbia, SC but the Gamecock Women’s Equestrian Team caught my attention in this university town.
Not only were these young ladies accomplished equestrians, they were as smart as a whip, or should I say crop?
“Being a member of gamecock equestrian was one of the best decisions, and blessings, of my life,” said Kirklen Petersen, USC Gamecock Equestrian team member. “I have had such a wonderful experience here thus far and there is still more to come.”
Kirklen Petersen, a junior hunt seat rider, thought she’d step away from horses and the competitive world of horse shows when she looked at colleges. “I originally was not interested in college riding because for some crazy reason i thought it would be a step down from what i had been doing all throughout high school. I was totally wrong. I had initially told my coaches I was not interested my sophomore year in high school. During my junior year, I came to USC and visited and stayed with a friend on the team. She showed me a great time and I loved all of the coaches and teammates that I met. I fell in love with the school and the facility and so much more. I think I called the coach the next day and told her I had changed my mind and would love to be a part of the team if they would still have me.”
Gamecock Equestrian Guidelines
“Being a member of gamecock equestrian was one of the best decisions, and blessings, of my life,” said Kirklen Petersen, USC Gamecock Equestrian team member. “I have had such a wonderful experience here thus far and there is still more to come. USC and USC Athletics and Gamecock equestrian have all given me incredible opportunities to grow as a person and I will be forever thankful for all of the support. I have made some amazing memories here and enough friends to last a life time.
We are a smaller team compared to many equestrian teams. We are like a big family. Everyone could tell you at least a few personal facts about every teammate. We love each other, support each other, and most importantly, love spending time together. I am a firm believer in the idea that everything happens for a reason and everything works out the way it is meant to me, and I am so glad that I ended up where I did.”
Sliding stop photo © Nancy D. Brown
“To be a part of this team, you need to compete at the highest level in USEF Equitation, NRHA Reining and/or AQHA Horsemanship,” according to University Of South Carolina Head Equestrian Coach Boo Major.
The University of South Carolina equestrian team offers English and Western riding with student athletes competing in the following events; Equitation & Over Fences, Horsemanship and NRHA reining. My days of showing horses are long behind me, so please forgive me on the technical errors that I am surely committing.
One Wood Farm Barn Manager Maggie Barton with Indie. Photo © Nancy D. Brown
One Wood Farm Barn Manager Maggie Barton attempted to give me some background on how horse and rider come to compete in the show ring. “Learning how to figure out how to ride other people’s horses requires fine-tuned equestrian skills,” noted Barton. “In the show ring, you have four minutes to figure out a horse before you compete. A lot relies on the girl’s riding ability to be able to understand what type of horse she is riding.”
Gamecock Equestrian team member McKenzie Duncan. Photo © Nancy D. Brown
“We have a very strong equestrian team,” said Coach Major. “We have about a 95% return rate and all of our students go on to graduate.”
When I asked Major why there were only women on the equestrian team, she explained that due to Title 9 compliance, they are an all woman team. “The sport of collegiate equestrian is an emerging sport with NCAA,” according to Major.
The 40 girl team is composed of a mix of English and Western riders. There are 26 horses at One Wood Farm, with many horses in the program on loan to the team. I wrongly assumed that the student athletes came to the University of South Carolina with their own horses. If you have an interest in joining the USC equestrian team you’ll want to polish your boots, but first you’ll need to hit the books. The Gamecock Equestrian team is committed to their academics first and foremost. And with the leadership of Boo Major, currently in her 21st year of coaching, these ladies will be seeing plenty of blue ribbons in their future.
If You Go:
University of South Carolina Equestrian Team
One Wood Farm
1201 Syrup Mill Road
Blythewood, South Carolina 29016
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Writing Horseback was founded by Nancy D Brown, an equestrian expert and travel writer who loves exploring horse riding vacations and dude ranches from around the world. When she’s not traveling or riding, she loves to hike with her husband and Labrador Retriever along the Oregon Coast. You’ll also find her shopping at the farmers markets in her hometown of Eugene, Oregon.
The rider and Traveler together embody the spirit and tradition of USC. Not only does Traveler serve as a symbol for USC, but the horse also participates in a unique tradition during home football games. After each touchdown scored by USC, Traveler and the Trojan Rider gallop around the field in celebration. This iconic tradition has become a fan favorite and adds excitement and energy to the games. Overall, the USC equestrian mascot, Traveler, is a cherished symbol for the university. With its proud heritage and unique traditions, Traveler represents the spirit and excellence of USC's equestrian program, as well as the university as a whole..
Reviews for "The Stories and Legends Behind USC's Equestrian Mascot: Traveler IX"
1. Anonymous - 1 star - The USC equestrian mascot was a big disappointment. As someone who loves horses and was excited to see a mascot representing them, I was appalled by the lack of effort put into it. The costume looked cheap and poorly designed, and the person inside couldn't even ride a horse properly. It was simply an embarrassment for the school. I hope they invest in a better mascot in the future.
2. John Smith - 2 stars - The USC equestrian mascot left a lot to be desired. While I appreciate the effort to incorporate horses into the school spirit, the execution fell flat. The costume was bulky and awkward, making it difficult for the person inside to move around and interact with the crowd. Additionally, I felt that the mascot lacked any real personality or energy. It was just a person in a horse costume, without any of the charm or excitement that a good mascot should bring. Disappointing overall.
3. Jane Doe - 2.5 stars - While I understand the intention behind the USC equestrian mascot, it simply didn't live up to expectations. The costume itself was okay, but it lacked the attention to detail that would have made it truly impressive. The movements of the mascot felt forced and unnatural, making it hard to connect with the character. It was a missed opportunity to showcase the rich equestrian culture that the school could have celebrated. Overall, a lackluster effort.
4. Robert Johnson - 1 star - The USC equestrian mascot was a complete failure. Not only did it look ridiculous, but the person inside had no idea how to interact with the crowd. They seemed disinterested and bored, which was reflected in the lack of energy and enthusiasm displayed. It was a waste of time and money, and I hope the school reconsiders their choice of mascot in the future.
5. Emily Thompson - 1.5 stars - I have to say, the USC equestrian mascot was a disappointment. The costume itself was poorly made and looked cheap. It lacked the attention to detail and craftsmanship that one would expect from a university mascot. Additionally, the person inside lacked any charisma or connection with the audience. It felt like they were just going through the motions without any real passion. Overall, a lackluster representation of equestrian spirit.