Donated Rescue Horse From Kill Pen Named NCEA Horse of the Month

Columbia, S.C. – Steve Irwin was named the February NCEA Horse of the Month, the NCEA announced. He is a dark bay gelding donated by Liz Messaglia and is in his first season with South Carolina. He has competed in every spring home meet at One Wood Farm.

“Steve Irwin has found his niche. He has been a project for us but has really come into his own over the last month or so,” said head coach Boo Major. “He came to us underweight, very cranky and with bad barn manners. His favorite thing was kicking the stall so hard at dinner time that he would kick his shoes off! He has settled into our program quite well. Unable to pass a vet exam, I think we may have been his last stop. He is a talented off-track thoroughbred, and we are hoping he will be a part of our program for many years to come.”

Steve Irwin has an eventful past and previously hurt his knee. As a result, he was sent to a kill pen before he was rescued and made into an event horse. Once there, his bone chip in his knee prevented him from eventing and he was donated to South Carolina.

In his short time at Carolina, Steve Irwin has made his way to the top spot of the fences starters. He began with demo rides on the flat, but after a successful exhibition ride in the intrasquad scrimmage in fences, he has started in the event ever since.

In the meet against No. 3 Auburn, he rode to a 73 with Trinity Hammerschmidt and earned a point for South Carolina. Against No. 4 Georgia, he earned his highest score to date of 82 with Jordan Allen to secure a point. His point helped the Gamecocks to a 3-2 win in fences and an overall 10-9 win. He is an emblem of the Gamecock spirit in showing how much he has grown this season.