LEXINGTON, Va. — Washington and Lee University Equestrian Head Coach Gordon Reistrup announced that he is stepping away from the role in Lexington following the completion of the academic year.
A Virginia Horse Shows Association (VHSA) hall of famer, Gordon Reistrup has led the Washington and Lee equestrian program for the past 19 seasons, taking the reins in 2006-07. Under his guidance, the team rose to prominence within the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). His impressive coaching résumé includes:
- ODAC Team Championships in 2014 and 2022
- ODAC Coach of the Year in both championship seasons
- IHSA Zone 4 Region 2 Team Championship in 2022
- 37 All-ODAC Selections
- 2 ODAC Riders of the Year
- 5 ODAC Rookies of the Year
- 7 ODAC Scholar-Athletes of the Year
- Multiple trips and victories at IHSA Regional, Zone, and National Championships for individual qualifiers
Reflecting on Reistrup's legacy, Jan Hathorn, the Michael F. Walsh Director of Athletics at W&L, shared:
"During his time as the W&L head coach of riding, Gordon has left an indelible mark on the program, and by extension, the positive reputation of W&L athletics in the equestrian world. Since he arrived at W&L, our riding program has grown in stature and competitiveness because of his passionate commitment to our student-athletes and the equine athletes; his record speaks for itself. From supporting our program on his private farm to being actively involved in the equestrian world on a regional and national level, we have benefited greatly from his unmatched professionalism, dedication to excellence, and heartfelt devotion to the people and horses. I am deeply grateful for the many ways Gordon has made us better. We will miss him and wish him the best in all his future endeavors."
Reistrup started riding at the age of eight and entered the Virginia competition circuit in 1975. Over the next five decades, he competed across a variety of equestrian disciplines before focusing on hunters, equitation, and jumpers in 1983. After a decorated amateur career, he turned professional in 2005 and continued to make his mark in the ring and horse community.
Reistrup's impact on the sport extends far beyond competition as a committed leader in the equestrian world. He has served as an at-large director on the Virginia Horse Shows Association (VHSA) Board since 2007 and spent 13 years on the Southwest Virginia Hunter/Jumper Association (SWVHJA) Board, including five years as president. In addition, he chaired numerous committees across both organizations, working to strengthen and grow the sport at the regional and state levels. His leadership extended to the collegiate arena as well, where he served 11 years as president of IHSA Zone 4 Region 2, contributed as a board member and chair of strategic planning for the IHSA, and remained deeply engaged with the United States Pony Club as an "A" graduate and life member. Reistrup's service and sportsmanship have been widely recognized with his induction into the SWVHJA Hall of Fame, the Guy Burkholder Adult Sportsmanship Award, and his distinction as the only two-time recipient of the VHSA's Susan Hagan Award for spirit and sportsmanship.
Washington and Lee University is deeply grateful for Coach Reistrup's lasting impact on the riding program and the broader equestrian community. As he embarks on his next chapter, the department extends its warmest wishes for continued success and fulfillment. A national search will be conducted to identify the next head coach to lead the Generals' equestrian program forward.
Nestled in the mountains of Virginia, Washington and Lee University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Founded in 1749, W&L is the ninth-oldest college in the United States and a top-ranked liberal arts university. With over 500 student-athletes in 24 varsity sports, the Generals have celebrated over 265 conference championships. Learn more about the Blue and White by visiting www.generalssports.com or on social media at @WLUGenerals.
