Hollinsummer: Riding

Rising 9th – 12th grade women

Riders Who Are Going Places

Week 1: July 12 – July 18
Week 2: July 19 – July 25

This immersive weeklong camp offers advanced and intermediate riders the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of hunter/jumper riding, barn management, and the care of horses under the guidance of Hollins’ experienced collegiate instructors. Each day combines mounted lessons and unmounted instruction, with opportunities to explore training theory, equine care, and the design of jumping courses. Guest lectures and practicum reviews help riders refine their technique and understanding throughout the week.

Outside the barn, participants enjoy evening activities that foster camaraderie, such as trivia, karaoke, and games on the Quad, creating a true residential camp experience. The week culminates in a Saturday morning showcase at the Hollins Riding Center, where students present their skills for family and friends.

Interested students must submit their Hollinsummer application, including the required skills video, by February 1. Our riding team will use this rubric to assess the videos. Students will be assessed and alerted in their placement of Week 1 or Week 2 by March 1. Note that demand for this program typically exceeds capacity; it is likely we will be unable to accommodate all applicants.

Instructors

Sherri West, Equestrian Program Director, Head Riding Coach

• B.S., Virginia Tech
• Oversees all aspects of Hollins’ riding program, including preparing the equestrian team and individual riders for competition in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) and the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA)
• Previously served as equitation instructor and equestrian coach at Virginia Tech, which she led to its highest finish ever at the IHSA National Championships
• Has served in leadership positions for the IHSA, the SWVHJA, and the American National Riding Commission

Elise Roschen, Riding Center Manager, Assistant to the Director of Riding

• A.A., Southern Seminary
• Riding instructor at Hollins since 1986
• Consultant and advisor to many barns in Virginia
• Successful breeder of hunters, including the 2013 Four Year Old Champion of the International Hunter Futurity
• IHSA National Championship Horse Show Sportsmanship Award (2007)

Maggie Siciliano, Assistant Riding Coach/Recruiting Coordinator

• B.A. in Mass Communications and Sports Media; M.B.A. with a Certificate in Business Analytics, University of South Carolina
• Assists with all aspects of Hollins’ equestrian program, including rider development and competition preparation for the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) and Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA)
• Served as Assistant Trainer and Barn Manager at St. Timothy’s School, coaching riders to local association championships and IEA Zone 3 Region 1 titles. Four-year member of the USC IHSA team, where she also led social media and graphics initiatives