Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, March 1, 1992 TAG: 9202280204
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
I was disappointed that no mention was made that they do have an instructor and coach. Hurley Hafdelin was contracted by Rad-Tech to instruct and coach the team. She offered her services at a greatly reduced rate.
Prior to the formation of Rad-Tech, she often traveled to IHSA [Intercollegiate Horse Show Association] shows to walk the course and offer advice to riders from these schools who were "winging it." She was at the IHSA Nationals at Hollins last spring to coach qualified riders from these schools.
She helped with a proposal to Virginia Tech to re-establish their equestrian program that, sadly, was answered with budget cuts by the state.
She has brought her own tack [horse riding equipment] for the students to use in lessons and found some of the horses [that were] donated to the program. Her enthusiasm for the team and the program helped to bring monetary donations to Rad-Tech as well.
She offers not only "team coaching" but goes out of her way to offer individual attention and encouragement to each rider, that he or she may excel to the best of his or her ability.
I wish Rad-Tech well and hope that this group of students will continue, with dedication and hard work, to preserve their equestrian program, that others who love the sport off riding will also have a chance to participate in intercollegiate shows and improve their riding skills.\ Fran Richardson\ Salem
Editor's note: The focus of the story was the students' efforts to re- establish equestrian programs at Radford and Tech. Hafdelin was featured in an accompanying photograph.
by CNB