Valberg Named Equestrian Coach at Stonehill

Newton, Mass., native and head trainer of Ridgetop Farm takes over Skyhawks riding program

EASTON, Mass. (July 27, 2010) – Stonehill College has named Allegra Valberg as its head equestrian coach. The announcement was made today by Brendan Sullivan, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at the College.

“I am thrilled to name Allegra Valberg as our new head equestrian coach,” said Sullivan. “She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in riding as both a competitor and a trainer which will help Stonehill’s program sustain its success on the national level.”

Valberg takes over for Tarah Watson who resigned last month after three years at the helm, culminating with the program’s first trip to the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) in seven years this past spring where the Skyhawks turned in a fourth place finish. Valberg owns and has served as head trainer at Ridgetop Farms, Inc., in Norfolk, Mass., for seven years. Prior to that, she was a trainer and barn manager at the Broad Hill Equestrian Center in Holliston, Mass.

"I am very excited to be part of the Stonehill equestrian tradition,” said Valberg. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with such a dynamic group of riders."

In her roles at Ridgetop Farms, she is responsible for the equitation, hunter and jumper training of over 70 students ages 5-60. Valberg is the founder and head coach of Ridgetop Equestrian Upper and Middle School IEA Teams, guiding the Upper School Team to the Zone 1 championship for 2009-10. She has also qualified several riders, as well as both teams, for the IEA Nationals this past season. Valberg oversees all facets of farm maintenance and supervises the care of approximately 30 horses.

Valberg is a 1997 graduate of Mount Holyoke College, where she earned a degree in art history and anthropology. She was also a member of the Lyons rowing team over her collegiate career.