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.
For more than 60 years, Kent School Equestrian Team has been educating young equestrians throughout the world seeking to advance themselves both in and out of the saddle.
Kent School Equestrian Team
The Kent School Equestrian Team offers a unique opportunity for students to follow their equestrian pursuits in the hunter, jumper, and equitation ring while receiving unparalleled academic instruction.
Since the inception of the equestrian program, Kent School Equestrian Team athletes have received top instruction under the tutelage of renowned trainers, riders, Olympians, and horse show judges, who focus on developing successful, well-rounded horsemen and horsewomen, not just their riding skills. Many Kent School Equestrian Team alumni are nationally recognized equestrian professionals to this day.
The Equestrian Program
With a focus on hunters, jumpers, and equitation, students receive professional training both on and off the horse.
A strong emphasis is placed on properly developing both riders and their horse through teaching proper fundamentals that go back to classical horsemanship roots.
Equestrian Team athletes ride five days a week with a sixth unmounted day focused on horsemanship.
While Kent School Equestrian Team is not a show-focused program, many riders participate in a small selection of area shows during each term. For those who compete at WEF and WEC during school holidays, arrangements can be made to pair riders with an outside trainer if needed.
Meet the Trainer
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.
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
- Are there opportunities to show and compete?
- Can I bring my horse to Kent School even if I’m not on the riding team?
- Are school horses available?
- What discipline(s) do you teach?
- Do I provide my own equipment?
- How many terms can I ride each year?
- How much does it cost to ride each term?
- What level of riding is required to participate?
- What is a typical day at the stables for a Kent School Equestrian Team rider?
- Am I required to jump?
- Is riding a varsity sport?
- Does Kent have an IEA team?