Equestrian Michael Kocher won the designation of Reserve National Champion in Open-Flat, while representing the Savannah

College of Art and Design (SCAD) last weekend at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association National Championship at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pa., May 2-5. SCAD hosted the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Regional Championship at the Ronald C. Waranch Center onMarch 3, where Michael qualified to compete for the Cacchione Cup.

Kocher, who grew up in Tryon, began riding at 12 years-old. Earlier this year, Kocher competed in a regional competition winning first and second place.

Kocher earned a scholarship to SCAD, one of the country’s premier schools of fine arts.
“Michael won a full-ride scholarship at SCAD and was later drafted on to their equestrian team, I think they got a pretty good deal with him,” said mother, Susie Kocher.

Kocher is majoring in sound design, within the school’s film and digital media department. He has also declared a minor in equestrian studies, and must maintain at least a 3.0 GPR in order to devote his time to the sport.