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5 international schools that are ideal for equestrian enthusiasts
30 Sep 2019
From exclusive riding programmes to on-site equestrian centres, international schools that offer unlimited access to majestic horses and fun stable activities are pacing ahead in student popularity.
Catering to students of all levels, from beginners to the world’s most competitive riders, these five international schools offer a wide range of opportunities for outdoor-loving pupils:
With its very own riding school, Kent School in Connecticut provides a riding programme for students to develop and grow their passions in a co-educational setting.
Here, learners can make use of two indoor and three outdoor rings, a Grand Prix field, a grass hunter field and a cross country course designed for beginner-novice through to training level eventers.
Each spring and fall, the institution hosts the ‘Kent School Horse Trials’, bringing student riders together and showcasing their skills.
Regularly competing in events such as the Dorset County Show, Knighton House strives to nurture students’ natural talents and allow their ambitions to thrive.
According to Anne Bolton, Head of Riding at Knighton, “The majority of girls ride here, with lessons starting in year two – it’s a huge part of school life. We also try to support them with their individual goals, whether as a happy hacker or the next Olympic eventer.”
According to the equestrian manager, Rachael MacLean, here, there are “22 horses on-site, with 10 liveries and 12 in the riding school. And we have 19 of the school’s 54 acres, as well as a 60x40m all-weather flood-lit arena and hacking track round the ground, training with BHSII and UKCCL2 coaches.”
And though this international school has a small community feel, horses play a massive part within it.
Situated amid the beauty of Scotland, it has its very own equestrian centre and all-weather flood lit arena students can make use of.
STONELEIGH-BURNHAM SCHOOL (SBS) – US
As you enter the long and winding road to the SBS campus, you’re immediately greeted by 30+ campus horses hanging out in the state-of-the-art equestrian facility.
Every rider, from beginner to advanced, receives personalised instruction that reflects their interests, goals and abilities.
Licensed coaches provide instruction tailored to all levels with training in equitation, hunting, jumping, eventing, dressage and equine studies. Plus, Stoneleigh-Burnham School is the only secondary school in the US to offer British Horse Society Certification.
An integral part of Hanford, the stables and riding are essential elements of student life at the school.
“There is a selection of ponies of all shapes, sizes and scope. There is Guy, a beautiful piebald pony; Holly, a fiery chestnut; and Dandy, a sweet Welsh cross pony and Dinky, a Welsh Mountain pony, is one of the smallest but he is one of the most important,” Hanford School explains.
And even if students aren’t interested in the riding, they are still encouraged to visit the stables to groom and clean the ponies during their morning break.
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