RSS 2.0 FeedBoarding Schools in the USA, Beyond the Basics
Equestrian Programs
Their common love of horses helps students form friendships with people from all over the world.
Their common love of horses helps students form friendships with people from all over the world. The personal achievement of controlling a horse helps to develop improved self-confidence and self-esteem. From tacking and grooming to trail riding and competition, a young rider is constantly learning and growing. With this in mind, some U.S. boarding schools make equestrian programs an important part of their curriculum and campus activities.
At Andrews Osborne Academy (AOA) in Ohio, a student can participate in schooling and horse shows with his or her own horse or one belonging to the school. Central to the AOA Equestrian Program is an Equestrian Team that is consistently ranked among the top in the country. Students participate in home and away shows. The AOA faculty understands that a strong student can meet both their academic and competitive goals, and the art of balancing both can also be an important lesson.
Montverde Academy’s equestrian program emphasizes competitive riding, in English and/or Western riding, as well as horse care and stable management. Student riders and their horses compete on average once per month during the academic terms. Students attend competitions either as an exhibitor or show assistant. Horses in the program have been selected for their show ability and include World Champions and State Champions. Advanced riders exhibit in a least three classes, one of which must be a canter class and one of which must be a versatility class. Riders will only receive advancement in versatility after they have completed proficiency in poles, barrels and jumps.