The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) leadership proudly awarded Chris Mitchell the prestigious IHSA Lifetime Achievement Award during the IHSA board meeting in January 2025. This award celebrates Mitchell’s exceptional dedication and contributions to the IHSA, which date back to his days as a collegiate equestrian.
“This is a remarkable moment in my life,” said Mitchell, head hunter seat coach at Albion College. “This award means the world to me as I have been involved with the IHSA my entire life.” Mitchell fondly recalled attending the inaugural IHSA National Championship at Stony Brook University and emphasized his deep belief in the organization’s mission.
A Lifelong Passion for Equestrian Coaching
Mitchell’s connection to the IHSA runs deep. His mother, Mary Jane Mitchell, was a trainer and IHSA coach since 1968 and founded the IHSA program at Pace College in Pleasantville, New York. Early in his career, Chris served as an assistant coach and instructor at Pace, where he discovered his passion for coaching and teaching equestrian and life skills.
Since September 2022, Mitchell has been a part of Albion College’s equestrian coaching staff. His illustrious career also includes positions as director of jumper programs for the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA), head coach at Randolph College for seven years, and a 13-year tenure as head coach at Cornell University. Prior to Cornell, he trained riders at Sleepy Hollow Country Club in Scarborough, New York, Lion Hill Farm in Easton, Connecticut, and Sacred Heart University. His students have consistently excelled at the IHSA national level.
“Chris Mitchell is a very deserving winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award,” said IHSA Executive Director Peter Cashman. “His family has been involved in the IHSA since the beginning. His mother is a well-known judge. Chris grew up in the IHSA as a rider through college and then as a coach. He’s coached at four different colleges, served on the board, and has been an integral part of our National Championship team for over 15 years. This is a very well-earned award.”
Memorable Moments and Accomplishments
Mitchell’s contributions to the IHSA are many, but one of his standout memories as a coach was at the 2014 National Championship in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. “We had two riders from Randolph College competing in Intermediate Flat and Limit Flat,” Mitchell shared. “Meaghan Hynes rode beautifully to a third-place finish, the best placing for any rider from Randolph at the time. Then Anne Martin won the Limit Flat class, becoming the first and only national champion in the school’s history. That was such a great memory.”
Currently, Mitchell is a long-time member of the IHSA board of directors and leads the Hall of Fame committee. He is also known for his vital role as the starter at the ingate for each IHSA National Championship.
“All of my years with the IHSA have been special, and I thank Bob [Cacchione] and the entire IHSA for this wonderful award,” said Mitchell. He will be officially recognized at the 2025 IHSA National Championship, set to take place at Tryon International in North Carolina from May 2-4.
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