Teachers and Scholars

Whether you're a recreational rider or a polished competitor, Sweet Briar's vigorous instructional program meets your riding goals. Our faculty are dedicated to providing a rewarding experience for every student.

More than 20 innovative courses combine lecture and discussion with mounted instruction based on the principles of modern forward riding/hunter seat equitation. Small classes average three to six students, while elective courses may also allow you to pursue independent work.

THE FACULTY

Shelby B. French, director of riding, came to Sweet Briar from St. Andrews College in Laurinburg, N.C., where she served as Director of Equestrian Programs and Adjunct Professor of Exercise Science and Sport for 16 years.

As both an ANRC National Judge and No. 5 rated rider, she imbues her students with a strong foundation in forward riding philosophy and techniques. Many of the students she has mentored are now active young professionals in the equine industry.

Ms. French has coached collegiate riders to multiple individual and team championships at the National Finals of both the ANRC and the IHSA Collegiate Championships. She is also an USEF 'R' judge, and has coached and trained in the hunters, jumpers, and equitation divisions on the "A" circuit throughout the southeast. Her students have qualified for the Marshall and Sterling and NAL and ACL Jumper Finals, as well as in the hunter and equitation divisions for the fall indoor shows.

Email Shelby: sfrench@sbc.edu

Merrilee D. "Mimi" Wroten '93, associate director and instructor in riding, taught and rode professionally in New Jersey before returning to her alma mater, Sweet Briar.

She is a USEF 'R' and ANRC recorded judge, and holds a No. 5 rider rating. She enjoys teaching and training riders of all levels and coaches successfully at home and away competitions. On free weekends and school breaks, she competes in recognized horse shows, most recently Keswick (VA), Upperville (VA), Deep Run (VA), Lexington (VA), Raleigh (NC), and Sedefield (NC).

Ms. Wroten believes that "positive coaching helps young women become strong competitors in sports-and in all aspects of life. By setting goals, working toward developing skills, and schooling a horse, a rider acquires an understanding of the time, effort, and dedication needed to achieve success. These principles can be applied to a student's academic work as well as her future endeavors."

Email Mimi: mwroten@sbc.edu

Jon Conyers, instructor in riding and head of field riding, is an accomplished instructor and rider who came to Sweet Briar with extensive experience at the collegiate level. He has held the position of director of riding at Wesleyan College and at St. Andrews Presbyterian College. Additionally, Jon was the hunt seat coach at Savannah College of Art and Design and instructor of riding at The Barracks in Charlottesville. He was the owner and manager of a horse show management enterprise called Paradise Ventures.

Mr. Conyers is a recorded judge with the Affiliated National Riding Commission, a USEF 'R' rated judge in hunters, hunter seat equitation and jumpers, and former vice-president of the Georgia Hunter Jumper Association. He has participated in the riding industry at a host of different levels. He is a graduate of St. Andrews Presbyterian College and earned a master's in coaching from the U.S. Sports Academy.

Mr. Conyers also is the 2008 recipient of the IHSA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Email Jon: jconyers@sbc.edu

Glenn Moody, a highly respected hunter course designer and riding instructor, joined the Sweet Briar College's teaching staff in the 2006-07 academic year.

He recently designed and built the courses for Upperville, the Middleburg Classic, the Washington International Horse Show, the Legacy Cup and other top competitions throughout the United States. Glenn also is a well-known and respected trainer of hunter and hunter seat equitation riders, having trained for The Barracks in Charlottesville, Va., for more than two decades.

It is a wonderful opportunity for Sweet Briar to have an instructor with Glenn's knowledge and expertise join the teaching staff.

Email Glenn: gmoody@sbc.edu

Amie Chenault, stable manager, an Amherst native, was promoted from East Wing Captain to the position of stable manager in July, 2004. Amie received her BS in Equine Careers and Industry Management from Salem International University in 2002. She preparing to defend her thesis and hopes to receive her Master of Arts in Education specializing in Equine Studies form Salem International in December 2005.

Email Amie: achenault@sbc.edu

Visiting master teachers and guest lecturers enrich the curriculum and provide additional role models. Olympic gold medalists Joe Fargis, Melanie Smith, Lendon Gray, Judy Richter, Patty Heucheroth, Scott Hotstetter, Mike Henaghanand Scot Evans have led clinics and addressed Sweet Briar's riding community.