Cindy Ford has been Skidmore’s riding director for the past 18 years and intercollegiate coach for the past 14 years. Taking over the team in 1990-1991, Ford led to team to win the IHSA Nationals, held at Hollins College, her first year of coaching.

Skidmore won its first national championship in 1999 at St. Lawrence University with Coach Sarah Hufstader. Ford has more than 30 years of teaching and coaching experience and has trained such riders as Courtney Phibbs, Grace Socha, and Lexi Becker.

Ford who is the Regional President for the Zone II, Region 3 Intercollegiate Teams is also the founding director of the Capital District Hunter Jumper Council. In addition, Ford is the Co-Chariman of the prestigious and popular Skidmore Classic Saratoga Classic. Not only does Ford coach the Skidmore Riding Team, but she continues to coach at USEF recognized horseshows throughout the year with both Skidmore students, and local Juniors and Adult Amateurs.

Belinda Colgan competing on Skidmore's Milky Way
A graduate of Skidmore, Belinda began her experience with horses at age five, continuing on to pony club where she graduated with a 'B' Rating. Colgan then continued on to ride at Mystic Valley Hunt Club, where she competed up through the junior jumpers with trainer Sally Hinkle.

Through her four years as student at Skidmore College, Colgan successfully competed on numerous Skidmore mounts. She was in the Polo Club for four years where she was captain and president for two. Prior to receiving the position of assistant coach, she worked as the barn manager for two years.

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