Chatham Hall Launches Equine Studies Certificate

Building on the last few years’ Equine Science course and internship opportunities, this year, Chatham Hall is launching a new Equine Studies Certificate, creating an intentional pathway for students to deepen their horsemanship knowledge while exploring the science, theory, ethics, and professional opportunities that shape the equine industry.

The certificate combines academic coursework, hands-on experience, and career exploration through Chatham Hall’s nationally recognized Riding Program. Students pursuing the certificate will participate in the Riding Program for at least four seasons, complete courses in Equine Science and Riding Theory, and gain field experience through a horse-related internship or working-student experience.

“We believe that exceptional riders are also knowledgeable and compassionate horsewomen.”
— Ally Doyon, Director of Riding

The Equine Studies Certificate builds on Chatham Hall’s longstanding belief that good riding starts with good horsemanship.

Through Equine Science, students explore anatomy, physiology, behavior, nutrition, and health. The new Riding Theory course expands that foundation, examining training, biomechanics, communication, welfare, and the relationship between horse and rider. Together, these courses encourage students to look beyond the next fence or ribbon and ask deeper questions: What does the horse need? Why are we training this way? What is the horse communicating? What responsibilities come with being the person making decisions for an animal?

The goal is to develop the whole rider: a young woman who can ride with technical skill while also thinking critically, communicating thoughtfully, and making informed decisions about horse care and welfare.

The certificate extends learning beyond campus. Students will have opportunities to gain hands-on experience through horse-related internships at local veterinary practices, connecting their academic study to the professionals and careers that make up the equine industry.

Recent opportunities in Equine Science have already brought that connection to life. In May, representatives from BEMER visited Chatham Hall to demonstrate emerging technology in equine wellness. Students observed live demonstrations, participated in a Q&A, and explored hands-on applications, bringing real-world practice into their learning.

These experiences help students see that their passion for horses can lead in many directions, from riding and training to veterinary medicine, horse care, management, therapy, nutrition, and other equine professions.

The launch of the Equine Studies Certificate comes as Chatham Hall continues to expand its Riding Program and the opportunities available to students. This year, Margaret Lewis ’19 joined the program as an additional full-time riding instructor and Assistant Equine Studies Coordinator, supporting continued growth and expanding opportunities for competition while ensuring consistent training and instruction for riders on campus, bringing the riding and barn staff to four full-time instructors. Margaret joins Ally Doyon, Director of Riding, Emma Lane, Assistant Director of Riding, Emily Augustyn, Barn Fellow, and Carley Sukkert, Barn Manager.

The program also benefits from Chatham Hall’s exceptional facilities and resources, including the Wagoner-LaDuke Center for Athletics, Health & Wellness, where students have space to enhance their strength and athleticism, in addition to riding, learning, caring for horses, and developing their skills both in and out of the saddle. The addition of the Wag-La fitness facilities also gives riders opportunities to build the strength and fitness that support their work in the saddle.

The Equine Studies Certificate represents Chatham Hall’s commitment to making riding more than a pastime or a competitive pursuit. It gives students the opportunity to turn their passion into knowledge, their questions into inquiry, and their experiences into preparation for what comes next.

Because the horse will teach you more than how to ride. At Chatham Hall, riders will also learn confidence, resilience, responsibility, leadership, critical thinking, and the value of becoming knowledgeable and compassionate horsewomen.