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.
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 ring 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 multitudes of arenas including a large outdoor with TravelRight footing.
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.
KSET Events
Ethel Walker Inaugural Walker's Cup
April 14, 2024
Hudson Valley Show Jumping Spring Classic
April 20 - 21, 2024
Old Salem Farm Welcome Weekend Horse Show
May 5, 2024
Kent School Spring Invitational Horse Show
May 19, 2024
Kent School Clinic with Peter Wylde
September 2024
KSET Roster
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Olivia Lu Feng (captain)2026
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Genevieve Hay (captain)2027
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Elaine He (captain)2027
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Berlin Hill (captain)2026
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Chamonix Johnson (captain)2025
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Maya Karafotas (captain)2024
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Victoria Kokareva (captain)2026
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Raina Patel (captain)2025
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Vidal Rodriguez Garza Lagüera (captain)2025
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Annika Shah (captain)2024
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Madeleine Smith (captain)2024
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Oona Weaver (captain)2026
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Olivia White (captain)2024
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Yiming Xiang (captain)2024
Comprehensive Training
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.
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.
Meet the Head Trainer
Lyman Whitehead
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.
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?