Hollins University has announced that Claudia Roland will become the head coach of the school’s equestrian program in January 2017.
Roland comes to Hollins from Palm Beach, Florida, and brings more than three decades of hands-on experience as a horse trainer, riding instructor, national and international judge, and program director. From 1977 to 2004, she owned and operated Fox Hollow Farms in Atlanta. She designed the barn as well as training and competition courses at the facility. Roland also oversaw all horse and rider training and lessons, and led Fox Hollow Farms in showing extensively throughout the southeastern United States.
Subsequently, Roland served as head trainer for eight years at the Wellington Show Stables and Sunlight Saddle Club in Stuart, Florida, where she designed and managed horse shows and instructed students in proper riding skills, horse care, and competition preparation. Most recently she has worked as a freelance trainer and international judge, conducting private hunter/jumper horse and rider training, and traveling to various locations to provide adjudicating services.
“Claudia is an accomplished horsewoman and trainer, and has a wealth of knowledge in horsemanship, equitation, and hunters,” said Director of Riding Nancy Peterson. “She has guided some of the top riders to qualify at the highest levels of competition, including the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Medal Finals and the ASPCA Maclay Regionals. She has also coached the winners of the South Carolina Hunter/Jumper Association Governor’s Trophy, the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) Junior Hunters and Children’s Hunters Championship, and the prestigious Bryan Trophy.”
Peterson noted that Roland is one of the premier horse show judges in America. “She has been an ‘R’ Level Judge with the USEF since 1994, and has judged major events such as the International Hunter Derby Championships, the United States Hunter Jumper Association Pre-Green Incentive Championships, and the WEF series in Wellington, Florida, just to name a few.
“What an honor to have such a valued and knowledgeable horsewoman join the award-winning coaching staff at the Hollins Riding Center.”
“Hollins is thrilled to welcome Claudia to our coaching staff,” added Vice President for Academic Affairs Patricia Hammer. “With her vast experience and expertise, we are certain Hollins’ equestrian program will continue to be one of the nation’s strongest.”
Hollins riders have captured 19 individual Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) national championships, four Fitch Trophy/Cacchione Cup Individual National High Point Rider championships, and numerous Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Rider of the Year awards. As a team, Hollins has won two national championships, qualified for IHSA Nationals 12 times, and won the ODAC championship 20 times.
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