Gordon Reistrup, head coach for the Washington & Lee University equestrian program, was inducted into the Virginia Horse Shows Association Hall of Fame in a ceremony held last month.
The ceremony was held at the association’s annual meeting and convention 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 years old and entered the competitive equestrian circuit in Virginia in 1975. He has achieved success across multiple disciplines, with a focus 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 UVA in 1988 with a bachelor’s in English.
The VHSA was founded in 1947 to honor and preserve tradition and equestrian sport.
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Rebecca Barnabi
