Kent School
Equestrian
Kent School Equestrian Team
Grow your passion for riding in a co-educational setting that stresses good sportsmanship, excellent horsemanship, and a willingness to learn while on horseback above all else. You have the opportunity to develop your equestrian skills in a variety of disciplines with a focus on hunters, jumpers and equitation.
To be truly successful in any aspect of riding, riders must adjust their style to the needs of the horse. One can never expect the horse to adjust to the needs of the rider.
Sound Fundamentals
Kent’s training philosophy has its roots in classical horsemanship with the belief that the fundamentals unlock rider growth. There are no secrets, just hard work.
The Best of Kent & Home
If you come to us with an existing trainer, we will work in partnership to create a program that builds on your experience and will best develop your riding skills.
Opportunities for Growth & Variety
Develop and grow your passion in riding in a coeducational setting as you take advantage of two indoor and three outdoor rings, a grand prix field, a grass hunter field and a cross country course.
You have the choice to bring your own horse or to work with one of our “equine professors.” Our school horses set the standard for quality. Many have competed at the top of their discipline and offer a schoolmaster experience for their riders.
Meet the Trainers
Lyman T. Whitehead
Head Trainer
Lyman T. Whitehead is a USEF “R” judge, who has been an active competitor as a rider and trainer for more than 38 years. He has trained both horses and clients for the AA Circuit, from the Winter Equestrian Festival to all the major shows in the Northeast. He has produced top hunters including Strapless, Dutch Chocolate, White Gold, and Cheer for the Team.
Whitehead has earned championships at all the major horse shows including the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, the Washington International Horse Show, the National Horse Show and the Devon Horse Show and County Fair. He is a five-time leading hunter rider of the Hampton Classic, leading hunter rider of the National Horse Show and three-time leading rider of the Old Salem Farm Horse Show.
Cara Wheeler
Trainer and Pro Rider
Cara Wheeler holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Equine Business Management from Cazenovia College and has worked at Kent, advancing her riding skills with Michael Page and Lyman Whitehead, since 2016. She has competed in the 1.20s at rated shows and regularly schools up to 1.40.
She has been riding since she was a young girl and has worked in the equine industry for the past ten years. She was a member of the Hunterseat portion of the Equestrian team at Cazenovia College all four years. She was the recipient of the Coach’s Award her Sophomore through Senior years.
Riding Facilities
Kent School offers extensive riding facilities allowing students to ride year-round in a range of settings that accommodate all levels of riding.
Kent Equestrian FAQ
- Does Kent field a show team?
- Can I use a Kent horse?
- Can I bring my own horse?
- Do you teach dressage/eventing?
- Do I provide my own equipment?
- How many terms can I ride each year?
- How much does it cost to ride each term?
- What if I am a complete beginner?
- What is a typical day at the stables for a student?
- Am I required to jump?
- Are there trail riding opportunities?
- Is riding a varsity sport?
- Does Kent have an IEA team?