E-mail Coach Mitchell (cpm25@cornell.edu)
Christopher Mitchell, a professional horseman, was named head equestrian coach at Cornell University on Oct. 7, 1999.
In his seven years as the Big Red's mentor, he has led many members to the regional and zone championships.
During the 2006-07 season, Cornell finished first at its own Winter Invitational and took the reserve champion spot at six other shows during the year. Last year saw three riders compete at the zone championships with Laura Acker being named reserve champion in Intermediate Flat. Acker placed seventh at the IHSA National Horse Show.
It is Mitchell's goal to see Cornell become a recognized name on the national scene and for the team to be a contender each year at the national championships. Based on the results so far, the Cornell equestrian team is already on the rise and receiving attention from the rest of the collegiate riding circuit.
Mitchell had previously been an instructor and trainer at the Sleepy Hollow Country Club in Scarborough, N.Y., and was the barn manager and trainer for Lion Hill Farm in Easton, Conn., from 1996-98. During that time, he also served as an equestrian instructor for Sacred Heart University and was an assistant coach and instructor at Pace University. He coached one of his riders to a national championship in walk-trot equitation at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association competition and had other riders place among the top 10 nationally in the novice flat, novice fences, intermediate fences and open levels.
Mitchell is a member of the NCAA steering committee for equestrian and is also a member of the American Horse Shows Association. He is a graduate of Longwood College in Farmville, Va., with a degree in business administration and marketing.
Mitchell and his wife, Martha, reside in Ithaca.
