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

Ian McCartney, instructor in riding, came to Sweet Briar in July 2009 with a broad range of experience. Over the past 12 years he has been an instructor and professional rider in the lower Hudson Valley region of New York. His students and horses have competed successfully at major horse shows in the Northeast, including Old Salem Farm and Horse Shows in the Sun (HITS) in New York State and the Fairfield County and Ox Ridge hunt clubs in Connecticut.

In addition to competing in the hunter, jumper and equitation rings, McCartney encourages his students to develop as complete riders by taking them to hunter paces, hunter trials and foxhunts. He believes in a patient approach and progressive system of training for horses and rider. He enjoys teaching and is always challenging his students to think for themselves and understand the "whys" of riding.

McCartney graduated from Alfred University, where he rode and competed in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association open division. He also spent three years working on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

Email Ian: imccartney@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

Jason Berry, riding fellow, began his riding career under the tutelage of Olin Armstong in Staunton, Va., where he helped train young horses for sale and showed them at the regional level. In 2001 he relocated to Virginia Beach and worked for Chris Wynne of Breckenridge Manor coaching amateur and junior riders on a regular basis and preparing their horses.

During the 2002 show season, Berry was given the opportunity to ride for Beaver River Farm of Camden, S.C., and showed their horses in the professional hunter divisions at most of the major horse shows on the East Coast. Since 2003, he has established himself as a top young riding professional in Virginia and has ridden and shown horses for three of Virginia's top show stables, Meadow Bluff Farm, November Hill Farm and Cismont Manor Farm.

While still riding for outside clients, Berry owns and manages Jason Berry Stables LLC of Verona, Va., an operation he began in 2007 with his wife Alisa Cline Berry, Sweet Briar Class of 2003.

Berry has made it his priority to work with well-respected horsemen throughout his career and he will bring a strong work ethic and a dedication to making each horse and rider the best they can be. He will work with the other instructors to continue the development of the College's jumper and jumper equitation program, as well as riding and re-schooling horses for Sweet Briar students.

Email Jason: jberry@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.