It is no surprise to many in Blythewood that hometown girl Boo Major was named SEC Coach of the Year. She didn’t get there by accident. A popular and highly regarded horsewoman in Blythewood and beyond, Major has contributed as much as anyone to the community’s reputation as horse country.
Major began her riding career at age 3 at Blythewood’s J. J. Ranch, a popular riding facility formerly located on land behind the Blythewood Fire Station. Her formative years were filled with horse show competitions and awards in the hunter ring, eventing and dressage at the local, state, regional and national levels. She rides in the Camden Hunt and has served as a judge with the U.S. Equestrian Federation. Early in her career she gained a reputation as a successful riding instructor.
Major holds both bachelors and masters degrees from the University of South Carolina and was named head coach of the school’s equestrian team in 1997. The icing on the cake for Major came a few years later when USC purchased One Wood Farm on Syrup Mill Road in Blythewood for the team’s training and show facility.
“I’m very fortunate to have an equestrian career with the university, which I love, while at the same time continuing to live and work in Blythewood,” said Major, who still lives on the family farm with her son, Mack. “I couldn’t ask for more. One Wood is a great facility and Blythewood is the logical setting for the team’s home base.”