Washington and Lee University has named Chris Mitchell as Associate Professor of Physical Education and the fourth Head Riding Coach in program history on Monday, July 7, 2025.
Mitchell brings more than three decades of elite experience in the equestrian world, having coached and trained numerous national-caliber riders across collegiate, preparatory, and open circuits. A native of Virginia and longtime steward of the sport, Mitchell most recently served as Interim Director and Hunt Seat Head Coach at Albion College in Michigan, where he guided the program to immediate regional and national success.
“It is a privilege to welcome Chris to the W&L community as our next head coach of riding,” said Hathorn. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the collegiate equestrian world to the role. He is passionate about teaching, training, and connecting, with students and horses, and his demonstrated success throughout his career underscores why he was our top choice. I’m excited to see what the future brings, and I am looking forward to working and serving beside Chris as he begins this journey.”
At Albion, Mitchell developed a championship-contending program in just his first season. He coached six riders to Zone 6 Region 1 Championships and led the team to multiple honors, including a Zone Championship title and a 10th-place finish at IHSA Nationals in its inaugural year. In 2025, his riders captured Reserve National Champion in Open Flat and a 9th-place finish in Open Fences.
Mitchell previously spent seven years at Randolph College as Director of Riding and Head Coach. There, he rebuilt the program into a regional and national contender, coaching a National Champion, Reserve Champion, and multiple Top Ten National finishers. His 2018 team captured the ODAC title and earned him ODAC Coach of the Year honors.
Before Randolph, Mitchell helmed the Cornell University program for 13 years, transforming it into an Ivy League powerhouse. His teams won four Ivy League Championships and produced 11 IHSA National qualifiers, with seven finishing in the Top Ten nationally. He also led Cornell to its first regular season regional title and a historic appearance in the IHSA Cacchione Cup.
In addition to collegiate coaching, Mitchell served as Director of Jumper Programs for the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association from 2019–23, managing national-level events such as the Zone Jumper Team Championships and Gold Star Clinics. His administrative leadership helped launch a new National Championship format to expand high-level competition opportunities across the country.
Mitchell has also been active as an equestrian clinician and consultant since 2000, delivering instruction in horsemanship, barn management, and rider development across the U.S. He holds membership and leadership roles in several governing bodies, including the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA), where he serves as Chair of the Hall of Fame Committee and Vice Chair of the National Hunter Seat Committee.
“I am honored to join the Generals community and help steward the future of W&L Riding,” said Mitchell. “Washington and Lee’s commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with my passion for developing exceptional student-athletes and equine programs. I am grateful to Director Hathorn and the university for this opportunity.”
A graduate of Longwood University, Mitchell earned a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and holds an Associate’s Degree in Business from Westchester Community College. In May 2025, he received the IHSA Lifetime Achievement Award, a testament to his enduring contributions to collegiate equestrian sport, and has additional professional affiliations with USHJA, USEF, PHA, and the SWVHJA.
Mitchell is slated to begin on August 4, 2025 and usher the Generals Equestrian program into a new era.
