Skidmore College Athletics

A legendary figure in the equestrian world, Cindy Ford is widely known as “the architect” of Skidmore Riding, one of the premiere intercollegiate programs in the nation.

As director of riding and head coach for over three decades, Ford guided the Thoroughbreds to seven national titles (1991, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2010, 2013, and 2018) and four reserve national titles. She coached numerous individual champions, including Cacchione Cup winners Lindsay Phibbs ’02 and Ashley Woodhouse ’07.

Ford’s 1991, 1995, 1999 and 2010 teams, along with rider Courtney Phibbs ’97, have also been inducted into the Skidmore Athletics Hall of Fame. In 2011, the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association honored Ford with its Lifetime Achievement Award. She continues to be the most successful coach in IHSA history.

A beloved mentor to hundreds of riders, Ford prepared them to excel in far more than equestrian sports. “They leave here as different people—responsible, confident and independent,” she has said. Her personal commitment to the Skidmore community has also been extraordinary. Co-founder of the Skidmore College Saratoga Classic Horse Show, she helped developed the popular event into a high profile scholarship fundraiser.

Assistant VP for Student Affairs & Director of Athletics Gail Cummings-Danson observes, “Cindy always placed the needs of her student-athletes and the program before her own. Her leadership and mentoring skills are forever the example we all strive to achieve.”