W&L Equestrian Coach Inducted into Virginia Horse Shows Association Hall of Fame Gordon Reistrup was honored at the association’s annual meeting and convention last month.

By Brian Laubscher
January 6, 2025

Gordon Reistrup, head coach for the Washington and Lee University equestrian program, was inducted into the Virginia Horse Shows Association (VHSA) Hall of Fame in a ceremony held at the association’s annual meeting and convention on Dec. 7 at the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia.

Reistrup was one of three individuals and three equine athletes inducted into the association’s Hall of Fame for 2024. He was joined by Molly McIntosh, Chris Wynne and horses Castle Magic, Henry the Hawk and Let’s Dance.

Reistrup began riding at 8 and entered the competitive equestrian circuit in Virginia in 1975. Over the years, he has achieved success across multiple disciplines, focusing on hunters, equitation and jumpers since 1983. After competing as an amateur, he turned professional in 2005 and has remained deeply committed to the sport, both in the arena and in leadership roles.

A dedicated advocate for equestrian organizations, Reistrup has served as an at-large director on the VHSA board since 2007 and contributed to the Southwest Virginia Hunter/Jumper Association (SWVHJA) for 13 years, including five years as president. He has chaired numerous committees in both organizations and remains a mentor to riders at every level.

His accolades include induction into the SWVHJA Hall of Fame, the Guy Burkholder Adult Sportsmanship Award and the Susan Hagan Award for spirit and sportsmanship, the only two-time winner of the award.

Reistrup has led the W&L equestrian program since 2006, guiding the Generals to a pair of Old Dominion Athletic Conference titles and five runner-up finishes. He has also been named the ODAC Equestrian Coach of the Year on two occasions. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts in English.

The VHSA was founded in 1947 to honor and preserve tradition and equestrian sport.

If you know a W&L faculty member who has done great, accolade-worthy things, tell us about them! Nominate them for an accolade.