Kent School Equestrian Team

The Michael O. Page Equestrian Center is a quick 15-minute drive from the main Kent School campus. The Center sits at the top of hundreds of acres of conserved land. Riders have access to numerous sand rings and grass fields to exercise their horses. The stables have two heated student tack rooms for ample storage. Stalls are 12 x 12 with rubber mats and are equipped with heated automatic waters.  Two wash stalls have running hot/cold water year round. Horses can enjoy turn-out in one of our paddocks, just a short walk from the stable.

The Katherine H. Buchanan Arena is a heated 100 x 200 with stadium seating for spectators. A second indoor ring is adjacent to allow riders to warm-up before entering the Arena. The indoor rings are accessible and attached to the stables.

The main outdoor sand ring is 120 x 220 and a full jumping course is always set. The second sand ring is used for practice and flatting exercises.

Short walks from the sand ring are the grass hunter field and a smaller open grassy area. One field is used as Dressage rings during our Fall and Spring Horse Trials. Both fields are great for flatting exercises and schooling. There are many other open areas for schooling.

The Cross-Country Course is open to all levels. The main Cross-Country Course spans over three large fields with an adjacent fourth field.

The Grand Prix Field is an open space with a full course always set on the rolling hills. A permanent water element is set and maintained every year.

Yes, we have wonderful school horses available for the term. We will match you with an ‘equine professor’ who can best grow your skills and help you advance to the next level. 

While we do have several advanced horses, many of our horses have already competed at the top of their fields, and —while they still have a lot to teach—we do not have them jump over 3’ regularly. If your desire is to consistently work at 3’-plus, please get in touch to discuss whether we have an appropriate school horse or if it might be advisable for you to bring your own horse to our program.

Yes you can! About half of our riders choose to bring their own horse each year. Our trainers and barn staff will work with your home trainer and horse care providers to ensure a seamless transition and the highest level of care.

At Kent we have a focus on hunter/jumpers and equitation. At this time we do not provide any instruction in dressage or eventing.

We do require riders to bring their own saddle and helmet. If you bring your own horse, you provide all of your equipment.  

Most students will ride at least two terms, many ride all three terms. You can also ride one term. Three- and two-term riders receive priority registration over one-term riders.

Please contact Program Coordinator Ms. Ferreira for the current rate sheet. 

Unfortunately we are not able to accommodate complete beginners in the Riding Program. All riders must be able to walk, trot and canter comfortably prior to joining the Kent Riding Program. If you are unsure about whether your riding experience is sufficient, please contact Program Coordinator Ms. Ferreira.

Our riders do much more than just ride--you learn horsemanship, barn management and riding. The riders come up on two or three vans, depending on the number of participants each term. You have jobs such as cleaning your stall before you ride. You are given one hour of riding time; each day is either a flat day or a jumping day. After riding, you are assigned a barn job to complete before you leave.

Riders do not have to jump. If jumping is not your goal, then we will develop a program for you specific to your goals.

Yes, Kent has ten miles of beautiful cross-country trails. There are plentiful opportunities to trail-ride during the Fall and  Spring seasons.

Yes, riding has both varsity and junior varsity assignments. Instead of holding tryouts, we evaluate each rider throughout the term and award varsity and JV letters at each term's conclusion. Students awarded varsity letters must have excellent attendance, demonstrate coachability and progress in their technical riding skills throughout the term, exhibit enthusiasm and respect for riding and their horse, comply with the dress code, and perform their barn duties regularly and without prompting.
 

No, Kent does not field an IEA team. With an emphasis on intermediate-advanced riding levels, the Program does not have riders to fill the Flat:Beginner and Novice divisions and instead focuses on attending a few rated shows each term.