Kent School
Equestrian
Kent School Equestrian Team
For over 60 years, the Kent School Equestrian Team has been a major draw for young equestrians throughout the world seeking to advance themselves both in and out of the saddle.
- Overview
- The Michael O. Page Equestrian Center
- Meet the Head Trainer
- Program Staff
- Kent Equestrian FAQ
- Roster
- Events
Overview
Equestrian Excellence at Kent
The Equestrian Team at Kent School offers a unique opportunity for students to follow their equestrian pursuits in the hunter, jumper and equitation rings while receiving unparalleled academic instruction. The equestrian facility is only a short 15 minute ride from the main campus and is set on hundreds of acres of bucolic, preserved land with several arenas with TravelRight footing, including a heated indoor arena.
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 Michael O. Page Equestrian Center
The Michael O. Page Equestrian Center is owned by Kent School and is just a short 15 minute ride from the main campus. Our equine athletes receive top care to help ensure their happiness and wellbeing while also helping them stay at their peak performance. Multiple staff members live on property to ensure frequent monitoring. The facility boasts multiple outdoor riding spaces including a large ring with TravelRight footing, multiple hunter fields and two heated indoor arenas.
- 32-stall barn
- Two heated tack rooms
- 100 x 200’ heated indoor arena: 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.
- 120 x 220’ large outdoor arena featuring TravelRight footing
- 150 X 180’ small outdoor sand arena
- Large Grand Prix field
- 15 grass paddocks
- 3 sand paddocks
Kent School offers extensive riding facilities allowing students to ride year-round in a range of settings that accommodate all levels of riding.
Directions to the Michael O. Page Equestrian Center:
- From the Kent School visitor parking, cross Macedonia Rd./CT-341 onto Skiff Mountain Rd. (Do not turn right or left)
- Follow Skiff Mountain Rd. for 4.15 miles.
- Continue going straight on West Woods Rd. (Skiff Mountain Road turns right at Marvelwood School).
- In 0.17 miles, you will see the Michael O. Page Equestrian Center sign on the right.
Meet the Head Trainer
Lyman T. Whitehead is a USEF “R” judge, who has been an active competitor as a rider and trainer for 40 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 competed professionally in both the hunter and the jumper rings, and 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.
He will be judging the prestigious ASPCA Maclay Finals in November 2024.
Program Staff
Lauren Meehan, Barn Manager and Assistant Program Manager
An avid horsewoman and animal lover, Lauren grew up taking any opportunity to be around horses from showing and judging at local shows to developing young horses. She attended a vo-ag high school where she studied equine and veterinary science and subsequently obtained a marketing degree. After a successful medical marketing career, she worked as a veterinary technician and found her way back to working with horses full-time as Kent School’s barn manager. Lauren is responsible for all aspects of horse care and barn management, and also helps with marketing and program logistics.
Kara Ferreira ‘06, Program Coordinator
Kara Ferreira is an alumna of Kent School and the Kent School Equestrian Team who never quite left! A lifelong rider who continues to enjoy being around horses as much as possible, she coordinates the operations of the riding program with the core campus. Kara is responsible for program management, registration and billing, planning, admissions outreach and being an extra hand on deck.
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?
- Can my child receive assistance to participate in Kent’s Equestrian Program?
Are there opportunities to show and compete?
The Kent School Equestrian Team participates in one to three horse shows each trimester for qualified riders; however, showing is not the primary focus of the program. We place a strong emphasis on progressing your riding ability and your partnership with your horse under the instruction of industry experts, while also receiving a world class Kent School education. The Kent riding experience includes schooling trips, clinics, and one to three horse shows each trimester. There is an option to show in Florida over Spring Break with your home trainer or, we can pair you with an outside trainer.
Advanced riders who would like to attend more shows than we go to as a school group may work with our trainers to improve their riding skills and then attend shows with their home (or another outside) trainer. For qualified students, it is possible to miss some school dates in order to pursue their competitive goals.
Can I bring my horse to Kent School even if I’m not on the riding team?
Yes, boarding is available for students who are not on the riding team or involved in the riding program. We know how important it is to maintain a connection with your horse while at school and we are pleased to offer this option to students. Please note there is limited time available to visit with or ride your horse if you are not on the current team. Please inquire for more details.
Are school horses available?
We encourage students to bring an owned or leased horse as we have a limited number of school horses available for lease each school year. Bringing your own horse allows you to more consistently progress and advance your riding. If you do not currently have your own horse, we are happy to assist with matching you with an appropriate horse to lease or purchase.
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?
Please contact Program Coordinator Ms. Ferreira for the current rate sheet.
What level of riding is required to participate?
All riders must be able to walk, trot and canter comfortably prior to joining the Kent Riding Program or boarding their horse at Kent School Stables. If you are unsure about whether your riding experience is sufficient, please contact Program Coordinator Ms. Ferreira.
What is a typical day at the stables for a Kent School Equestrian Team rider?
The Kent School Equestrian Team is much more than just a riding team. Our riders learn horsemanship, barn and time management skills in addition to riding. Each rider is expected to care for their horse and assist with daily assigned responsibilities in the barn. Riders are mounted five days per week with one unmounted day to focus on developing horsemanship skills.
Am I required to jump?
Is riding a varsity sport?
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.
Does Kent have an IEA team?
Can my child receive assistance to participate in Kent’s Equestrian Program?
Roster
KSET Roster
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Audrey Chen2028
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Isabella Chen2028
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Caroline Davis2028
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Olivia Lu Feng2026
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Emma Gjoni2028
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Katherine Halford2027
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Genevieve Hay2027
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Berlin Hill2026
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Chamonix Johnson2025
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Leigh Kintzel2028
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Victoria Kokareva2026
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Sloane Meade2027
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Julia Moschella2028
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Vidal Rodriguez Garza Lagüera2025
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Jose Tavares Espaillat2026
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Oona Weaver2026
Events
KSET Events
September 14, 2024
Field Trip to Old Salem Farm to watch Nationals
September 28, 2024
Kent School Clinic with Peter Wylde
October 12-13
Crosswinds Fall Classic
November 9, 2024
Field Trip to Equine Affaire
November 16, 2024
Horse Show at Fairfield Hunt Club
December 14-15, 2024
Crosswinds Holiday Classic
January 18, 2025
Kent School Winter Show
April 13, 2025
Walker's Cup (Ethel Walker)
May 4, 2025
Old Salem Farm Welcome Weekend
May 17-18, 2025
Old Salem Farm
May 24, 2025
Kent School Spring Classic
Schedule a Tour
If you are a rider and would like to visit the Equestrian Center, please note that an appointment is required to tour the facilities. Please contact the program coordinator to schedule your stables tour.