Athletics & Riding
Riding Program
Our Riding Program helps you be your best self.
The Chatham Hall Riding Program is a dynamic and unique experience among equestrian boarding schools. The program offers the fundamentals of the American Forward Riding System in accordance with modern hunter and equitation styles. You'll learn the theory behind instruction and how to handle a variety of horses. Taking a holistic approach to lessons, you'll benefit from mounted and unmounted instruction, a fitness plan, best dietary habits, and sports psychology. This approach to training the equestrian athlete ensures achievement while competing as well as with any challenge at hand.
Our Riding Program
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School Horses
Chatham Hall owns more than 30 School horses of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds that are available to you within the lesson program. Our horses are donated from a variety of professionals, and are all schooled in the forward system of riding and range in ability from the beginner safe to advanced level show horses. In addition, horses are available for you to lease. -
Mars Arena
The Mars Riding Arena is the centerpiece of Chatham Hall's extensive equestrian facilities. Measuring 125 by 250 feet in size, the Mars Riding Arena allows for year-long riding, regardless of weather conditions. Its facilities include eight indoor stalls, offices, two wash bays and a classroom for riders. The arena was opened in 1998 and is named for the Mars family, whose daughter is an alumna. Learn more about all of our Riding facilities here.
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Boarding & Leasing
Boarding your horse is an option if you're interested in bringing one from home. This can be a great way for you to continue working and developing your partnership while here at school. Students who do not own their own horse, but would like the opportunity to lease a horse, may do so as well. A number of our School horses are available for lease or students may work with the director of Riding to find a suitable lease horse from off property. -
Horse Showing
The Chatham Hall Riding Program offers our students the chance to horse show in a variety of different ways throughout their time here. We have a competitive Interscholastic Equestrian Team (IEA) team that hosts multiple shows on campus each year, travels, and routinely qualifies individuals and the team for Zones and National Finals. Additionally, we offer opportunities to travel and show at local and A-rated competitions throughout the region as well as hosting Southwest Virginia Hunter Jumper Association shows on campus.
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Horsemanship
We believe that unmounted instruction is just as important as your time in the saddle. While proper horsemanship is woven into daily lessons, the instructors dedicate one day a week to unmounted instruction to ensure that Chatham Hall riders graduate with significant knowledge of basic horse care, as well as tack, grooming, facility maintenance, nutrition, and veterinary care. Additionally, an Equine Science course is offered if you have an interest in taking your knowledge to the next level. The course covers the principles of equine evolution, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, genetics, and ethical management practices within the equine industry. -
Summer Programs
Chatham Hall offers residential summer riding opportunities at two levels. Riders ages 10-16 that feel comfortable independently walking, trotting, and cantering are invited to participate in Summer Riding. Riders ages 12-18 with more advanced skills can join us for Advanced Practices in Equitation to further prepare for the challenges of catch riding horses in the style of IEA, IHSA, and NCEA. Learn more at www.chathamhall.org/summer-riding.
Riding News
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Senior Lessons a Tradition at the Barn
Each spring, the Barn sees an influx of new instructors when the senior riders each take over a lesson.Read More -
Souza '23 & Whatley '23 Sign National Letters of Intent
Faye Souza ‘23 and Carolyn Whatley ‘23 have signed National Letters of Intent to compete at the collegiate level. Souza has committed to diving at George Mason University, while Whatley has committed to riding at Wofford College.Read More -
Risley '26 Competes in IEA Nationals
From April 27-30, one rider and two Chatham Hall horses participated in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) National Finals in Tryon, NC.Read More -
Show Ring Revived, Hosting Jumper Series
Down Penny Lane, past Mars Arena and almost to the Chalk Level Gate, is an arena that had once been known as the “Show Ring.” In the past, Chatham Hall horse shows were held regularly in this ring, but in more recent history it had become overgrown and rarely used.Read More -
Two Riders Compete in IEA Finals, Risley '26 Qualifies for Nationals
Over Spring Break, Carolyn Whatley '23 and Lainey Risley '26 represented the School at IEA Zone 3 Finals at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, Va.Read More
Riding Staff
Upcoming Shows
Happening Now
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Horse Donation
Chatham Hall's Riding Program wouldn't be able to function without the generous gift of donated horses. Learn more about the donation process here or reach out to Director of Riding Ally Doyon.
800 Chatham Hall Circle • Chatham, VA 24531
+1 434.432.2941 • admissions@chathamhall.org
Day and boarding school for girls grades 9-12 in the Episcopal tradition.
+1 434.432.2941 • admissions@chathamhall.org
Day and boarding school for girls grades 9-12 in the Episcopal tradition.
