Beyond the Saddle

Chatham Hall’s Discovery Challenge offers curious, motivated students the chance to step beyond the classroom and dive deep into a topic that is cross-disciplinary, personally meaningful, or simply not part of the standard curriculum. With the guidance of a faculty mentor, students explore compelling questions, engage in intensive research, and present their discoveries to the community. Whether for a single semester or an entire school year, this signature program offers agency, authenticity, and adventure.

 

For Lainey R. ’26, that adventure began with a challenge and her dream to continue advancing as a rider. A dedicated equestrian and long-time member of Chatham Hall’s IEA team, Lainey has been competing regularly and growing steadily in her riding skills, but the financial strain of leasing horses, combined with a series of horse injuries and setbacks, forced her to pause from the show ring. Rather than stepping away from her passion, Lainey pivoted, drawing inspiration from her home trainer, who rehabilitates auction ponies, as well as her personal experiences when a collarbone injury kept her out of the saddle. This introduced her to groundwork and horse behavior, making her more curious about what happens before the riding even begins.

When Director of Riding Ally Doyon suggested the Discovery  Challenge, Lainey saw a new opportunity to continue advancing as a rider. Lainey’s Discovery Challenge centered on rehabilitating Figo, a premier horse recovering from a deep digital flexor (DDF) tendon strain, with the ambitious goal of returning him to the show ring by spring. Working closely with veterinarian Dr. Natalie Barker at Chatham Animal Clinic and farrier Storm Myers, Lainey followed a rehab protocol explicitly designed for Figo. She learned to assess radiographs, apply therapeutic shoeing techniques, understand tendon recovery strategies, and recognize how conformation, stress, and training affect healing and performance. 

Lainey kept a detailed journal of her observations, reflections, evolving knowledge, and before-and-after photos, progress videos, and documentation of Figo’s transformation. The hands-on work took place during the week and included exercise sessions, groundwork, and vet and farrier consultations. With each step, Lainey learned how to safely, thoughtfully, and confidently bring an injured horse back into performance shape. 

What started as a setback became an opportunity—not just to learn but to lead. Through her Discovery Challenge, Lainey not only deepened her own equestrian knowledge but redefined what it means to be a rider, a student, and a problem-solver.