Athletics & Riding

Riding Program



OUR RIDING PROGRAM HELPS YOU BE YOUR BEST SELF.
The Chatham Hall Riding Program is a dynamic and unique experience amongst equestrian boarding schools. Our Riding Program offers the fundamentals of the American Forward Riding System in accordance with modern hunter and equitation styles. Students learn the theory behind the instruction and how to handle a variety of horses.

You will benefit from focused mounted and unmounted instruction, including a strong emphasis on good horsemanship. This approach to training the equestrian-athlete ensures success in competition in addition to fostering solid horsewomen.


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 was recently renovated with new knee walls and premium TravelBrite footing from Footing First. 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 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.

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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 our riders graduate with significant knowledge of basic horse care, 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.
  • 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. Advanced riders ages 12-16 with an interest in showing in the USEF and collegiate format are invited to our intensive four-day clinic Show Like a Pro. Learn more at www.chathamhall.org/summer.


Riding News



Riding Staff

List of 5 members.

  • Photo of Ally Doyon

    Ally Doyon 

    Director of Riding
    Read Bio
  • Photo of Emma Lane

    Emma Lane 

    Assistant Director of Riding; Equine Science Teacher
    Read Bio
  • Photo of Frankie Beyer

    Frankie Beyer 

    Associate Dean of Students for Wellbeing
    Read Bio
  • Photo of Carley Sukkert

    Carley Sukkert 

    Barn Manager
    Read Bio
  • Photo of Kat Gay

    Kat Gay 

    Barn Fellow; Dorm Advisor
    Read Bio

Upcoming Shows

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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.

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