Athletics & Riding
Riding Program
CHATHAM HALL RIDING: A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE AND HORSEMANSHIP
At Chatham Hall, our Riding Program is founded on the principles of the American Forward Riding System and enriched by modern hunter/jumper and equitation techniques. We believe in educating the whole rider—developing not only technical skill but also a deep understanding of horsemanship, critical thinking, and leadership. Through comprehensive mounted and unmounted instruction, students become knowledgeable, confident, and compassionate horsewomen.
Riders train in a supportive and challenging environment that fosters personal growth and resilience. From home shows to nationally recognized competitions, students gain valuable experience, sportsmanship, and a strong sense of community. Our Equine Science Program deepens this experience, allowing students to explore anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and equine care through a scientific lens—building both practical knowledge and academic insight.
Beyond competition, our program emphasizes care, wellness, and veterinary understanding—preparing students for success in and out of the saddle. The Chatham Hall Riding Program reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence, integrity, and lifelong passion—empowering young women to lead with confidence and respect for their equine partners and themselves.
Our Riding Program
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Our Horses
Our Riding Program offers a diverse herd of over 30 horses, carefully matched to riders at every level—from beginner-safe horses to experienced show competitors. Students may choose to ride school horses, lease select program horses, or bring and board their own horses on campus. With dedicated care and thoughtful pairing, each rider has the opportunity to build confidence, develop skills, and form meaningful connections with their equine partners, creating a truly rewarding riding experience. -
Facilities
Chatham Hall’s expansive equestrian facility supports riders of all levels, year-round. At its center is the Mars Riding Arena—a 125’ x 250’ indoor space recently upgraded with Footing First TravelBrite footing and new knee walls to enhance safety and performance. The arena includes eight stalls, two wash bays, offices, and a classroom to support both riding and academic learning. A newly added covered arena connects directly to the indoor space, providing an all-weather schooling area ideal for daily training and competition preparation. Additional features include two outdoor sand rings, Mullen Field, a permanent Hunter Trial course, and a scenic trail system, offering students a variety of riding experiences beyond the ring. Learn more 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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Equine Science and Internship Opportunities
The Equine Science Program at Chatham Hall provides students with a unique, hands-on learning experience centered around our own horses. Through experiential learning, students are encouraged to explore their interests, develop research skills, and deepen their understanding of equine care and science. Those who have enrolled in Equine Science and completed the course may also apply for our Veterinary Science Internship at Chatham Animal Clinic during J-Term, where they gain real-world experience working with large, small, and exotic animals in a professional clinical setting. -
Facility Rentals
Chatham Hall’s Riding Program offers facility rentals during the winter and summer months for clinics, lessons, and other equestrian activities. Our versatile spaces are available for short- or long-term use, with pricing based on the number of areas reserved and the length of the rental. For more information and pricing details, please contact Emma Lane.
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Horsemanship
At Chatham Hall, we believe that exceptional riders are also knowledgeable and compassionate horsewomen. Our program emphasizes the importance of both mounted and unmounted instruction, fostering a well-rounded and deeply rooted understanding of equine care. In addition to daily riding lessons, one day each week is devoted entirely to unmounted instruction. During this time, students gain hands-on experience in essential areas such as horse care, tack and equipment, grooming, nutrition, facility management, and introductory veterinary practices. This holistic approach not only builds technical expertise but also instills confidence, responsibility, and a lifelong respect for the horse, ensuring that our graduates are prepared for success both in and out of the saddle. -
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.
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Riding News
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Student Invited to USHJA Emerging Athletes Program National Session
Avery H. ’26 Heads to National Training SessionRead More
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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
Main Phone
+1 434.432.2941
Admissions Contact
+1 434.432.5516 • admissions@chathamhall.org
Boarding and day school for girls in grades 9-12 in the Episcopal tradition.
Main Phone
+1 434.432.2941
Admissions Contact
+1 434.432.5516 • admissions@chathamhall.org
Boarding and day school for girls in grades 9-12 in the Episcopal tradition.
