Shannon Ferguson was named assistant coach of the IHSA team in 2026.
Ferguson came to Sweet Briar as a riding instructor in 2025, following more than 20 years of experience in the equestrian industry. Ferguson has worked with numerous well-known professionals during her career, such as Chris Wynne, Glenn Moody, Harry de Leyer, and Anne Kursinski. She broke and trained her own horse, a two-time International Hunter Futurity Champion and a Virginia Horse Shows Association (VHSA) three-year-old Champion. Ferguson has trained riders and horses from beginner IEA to the 3'6 Amateur Owners, including Ariat Metal Finals qualifiers and a VHSA Equitation winner.
Ferguson previously served as Business Development Executive for the Carolina Cup Racing Association, Assistant Manager at Morven Park International Equestrian Center, and a Head IEA Coach. Ferguson currently runs her own equine business, Upswing LLC, out of Rock House Farm in Gladys, Va. and serves on multiple committees for the VHSA.
A native Virginian, Ferguson graduated with a B.S. in 2016 and anticipates a master's degree from George Mason University.
