Paul David Cronin of Middleburg, Virginia, “outstanding teacher, author, rider, mentor and dedicated friend,” passed away on December 29 following a brief illness, according to a report from Virginia’s Sweet Briar College, where he had been Professor Emeritus since 2001.

A dedicated educator

Cronin received an artium baccalaureus in history from Stonehill College in Massachusetts and a master of social work in Community Planning from the University of Pittsburgh. Following this, he served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy from 1960 to 1964 in Cuba and Africa, and for many years after that as a Reservist.

Cronin dedicated his life to educating young people about the American Forward Riding System. He taught and coached generations of students who have successfully competed at local, recognized and IHSA horse shows and field competitions, as well as ridden to hounds.

It is as head instructor and director of riding at Sweet Briar College that Cronin is perhaps best remembered. He served the college for 34 years, consistently turning 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.

In addition, Cronin taught clinics throughout the U.S. as well as unique clinics in Brazil and England. He specialized in teaching advanced students to train and school horses on a range of levels. But no matter the level of his student, he emphasized that preparation and consistent hard work led to success with horses and in life.

Riding and training

Cronin’s career in the saddle focused on riding and schooling hunters and jumpers 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.

Cronin 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, including Wait Awhile, Night Pomp, On Target, Bridegroom and No Apologies. In addition, Cronin did graduate work in sports psychology and motor learning at the University of Virginia.

Awards, authorship and more

During his 25 years as an “R” Hunter and Hunter Seat Equitation judge, Cronin 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, the USEF Pegasus Award in 2009, and 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.

Cronin was a successful 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.

Legacy

As was noted in his obituary, Cronin’s legacy is that of a gifted teacher, a “teacher of teachers.” While seeking to improve things for horse and rider, he focused on their relationship in a way that always respected the horse. A man of “great vision,” he also enjoyed giving back to the sport he loved.

Cronin was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth Ann Swift Cronin. He is survived by sons Peter Fleming Cronin of Phoenix, Arizona, and David Richmond Cronin of Charlotte, North Carolina. Other survivors include three granddaughters, Elizabeth, Anna Catherine and Caroline, as well as several nieces and close friends.

In accordance with Cronin’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, P.O. Box 460, Warrenton, Virginia, 20188, or The Friends of Riding, Sweet Briar College, P.O. Box 6, Sweet Briar, Virginia, 24595.