Paul David Cronin

Paul David Cronin of Middleburg, VA, outstanding teacher, author, rider, mentor, and dedicated friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 29, 2024.

Paul received an AB from Stonehill College in Massachusetts in History and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh in Community Planning. Following this, he served as a Lieutenant in the US Navy from 1960 to 1964 in Cuba and Africa and for many years following as a Reservist.

Paul then dedicated a lifetime to educating young people about the American Forward Riding System, teaching and coaching generations of students who have successfully competed at local, recognized and IHSA horse shows, field competitions and riding to hounds. He served as Head Instructor and Director of Riding at Sweet Briar College in Virginia for 34 years, where he consistently turned out capable and knowledgeable horsewomen on different levels and with a variety of goals. Sports Illustrated magazine cited him twice for coaching a record number of winning intercollegiate teams.

He also taught clinics throughout the US as well as unique clinics 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. Paul was Professor Emeritus for Sweet Briar College, a position he has held since 2001.

His riding career focused on riding and schooling hunters and jumpers and teaching in the American Hunter Jumper System. As a junior, he competed successfully in the Boston area as well as riding horses for Gen. Richard Mellon's Rolling Rock Farm in Pennsylvania. As an amateur, he showed and trained young horses in Virginia.

Paul was a lifetime 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 a "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" by the Virginia Horse Council in 1997, the USHJA "Professional Service Award" in 2007, the USEF "Pegasus Award" in 2009, as well as induction into the VHSA "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 Hounds and especially enjoyed helping young professionals and schooling horses in the Forward Riding System.

Paul's real legacy is that he was a gifted teacher...a teacher of teachers. He always thought of ways to make things better for the horses and riders. Paul focused on the relationship between the horse and rider in a way that respected the horse. He had great "vision" and enjoyed giving back to the sport.

Mr. Cronin was predeceased by his loving wife, Elizabeth Ann Swift Cronin and is survived by sons Peter Fleming Cronin (Cynthia Thiele) of Phoenix, AZ and David Richmond Cronin (Catherine) of Charlotte, NC and three granddaughters, Elizabeth, Anna Catherine, and Caroline as well as several nieces and close friends.

In accordance with Paul's wishes, a private graveside service for family will be held at a later date.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to 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.