Hollins is one of the nation’s strongest equestrian schools. Although our powerhouse team has produced champion after champion, riding is never seen as separate from or more important than your entire college experience.
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“At Hollins riders can expect to thrive with exceptional horses, outstanding coaching, and an amazing facility right on campus. It’s the recipe for excellence!”
Sherri West
Director of Riding/ Head Coach -
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“Along with the students and barn staff, the coaches create a friendly, supportive environment for us to really grow and improve. The Hollins horses are some of the nicest horses I have had a chance to ride.”
Lucy Smith -
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Riders have a variety of choices at Hollins. Some do all of the following, and others choose not to compete:
- Compete in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) or the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA)
- Compete in local and national horse shows on your horse or horses owned by Hollins
- Learn about horse show management
- Classes suitable for beginner through advanced riders. Enroll in small group lessons which count toward P.E. credit
- 30 university-owned horses for all skill levels
- Bring your own horse and board it at our state-of-the art facility
- Hunter seat instruction for all levels twice a week
- Private schooling lessons
- Riding club
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- 2019 Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Reserve Champion Team
- 18 Hollins riders have been ODAC riders of the year
- Hollins coaches have been named coach of the year 20 times
- 2019 Southwest Virginia Hunter Jumper Association Medal winner
- 12 Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Nationals team qualifications
- Two IHSA National Championship teams
- Four Fitch Trophy/Cacchione Cup Individual National High Point Rider champions
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- 43 large box stalls with rubber mats
- Overhead fly-control system
- Two wash racks with hot and cold water
- Two tack rooms, one for boarders
- Two lounges
- Fire and theft security system
- Laundry room
- Seven spacious pastures and paddocks with double white four-board fencing
- University-owned truck, featuring a 4-Star gooseneck trailer to provide safe transport of horses to and from horse shows
- 220′ x 110′ indoor ring with state-of-the-art GGT footing, heated and air-conditioning viewing lounge, and sound system
- Equicizer(TM) coming in 2022-23
- Outdoor ring
- Field riding
Fees
- 2023-24 Riding Fee – $1,250.00 per course
- Horse Boarding Fees: $800.00 per month in upper and lower barns
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SHERRI WEST
Equestrian Program Director and Head Riding Coach
B.S., Virginia Tech
LIZ COURTER
Associate Director of Riding
A.A., Southern Seminary
MARGARET NIELSEN
Equestrian Recruiter
B.A., Maryville College
ELISE ROSCHEN
Riding Center Manager, Assistant to Director of Riding
A.A., Southern Seminary
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The Hollins Riding Club is open to all students who participate in the riding program, regardless of skill level. The club, which is completely run by students, serves as a support system for the riding program by helping organize IHSA shows held at Hollins and service-related activities.
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Hollins has an extraordinary group of school horses, all donated by alumnae and equestrian professionals who know of the school’s excellent care and winning reputation. Among the horses are legends, many having shown at the top shows in the nation, such as WEF, Harrisburg, WIHS, and Devon.
