Paul Cronin, director of Sweet Briar College’s riding program from 1967 to 2001, died Dec. 29 after a brief illness. He was 86.
His influential time at Sweet Briar ran from 1967 to 2001, but in addition to being a respected teacher, the Middleburg, Va., resident was an author, rider and mentor. Mr. Cronin dedicated his life to educating young people about the American Forward Riding System, teaching and coaching generations of students who have successfully competed at horse shows and spent time riding to hounds.
At Sweet Briar, he consistently turned out capable and knowledgeable horsewomen on different levels and with a variety of goals. Sports Illustrated cited him twice for coaching a record number of winning intercollegiate teams.
A professor emeritus for Sweet Briar since 2001, he taught clinics throughout the U.S., as well as in Brazil and England. Mr. Cronin specialized in teaching advanced students to train and school horses on a range of levels. He emphasized that preparation and consistent hard work led to success with horses and in life.
He received a degree in history from Stonehill College in Massachusetts and a masters in social work in community planning from the University of Pittsburgh. Mr. Cronin served as a lieutenant in the U.S. navy from 1960 to 1964 and as a reservist following that.
Mr. Cronin was a lifelong student of internationally renowned horseman and educator Vladimir S. Littauer. He broadened his riding education overseas, including a sabbatical leave to ride at the French cavalry school at Saumur. He rode and developed a large number of young horses that went on to be top show hunters such as Wait Awhile, Night Pomp, On Target, Bridegroom and No Apologies. In addition, he did graduate work in sports psychology and motor learning at the University of Virginia.
During his 25 years as an “R” hunter and hunter seat equitation judge, he served on the AHSA (now USEF) committee that established clinics for judges. His many accolades include Educator of the Year from the Virginia Horse Council in 1997, the USHJA Professional Service Award in 2007 and the USEF Pegasus Award in 2009, as well as induction into the Virginia Horse Shows Association Hall of Fame in 2010. His book, “Riding and Schooling the Sport Horse,” was published in 2004 by the University of Virginia Press and reprinted in 2005.
Mr. Cronin also enjoyed a successful career as a clinician and consultant for both institutional and commercial equestrian programs. He rode regularly with the first flight of the Orange County (Va.) Hounds and especially enjoyed helping young professionals and schooling horses in the Forward Riding System.
He always thought of ways to make things better for horses and riders. Mr. Cronin focused on the relationship between the horse and rider in a way that respected the horse.
Mr. Cronin was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth Ann Swift Cronin. He is survived by sons Peter Fleming Cronin (Cynthia Thiele) of Phoenix, Ariz., and David Richmond Cronin (Catherine) of Charlotte, N.C. as well as three granddaughters.
In accordance with his wishes, a private graveside service for family will be held at a later date.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions may consider the Piedmont Environmental Council, PO Box 460, Warrenton, VA 20188 or The Friends of Riding, Sweet Briar College, PO Box 6, Sweet Briar, VA 24595.