Riding FAQ's
How many horses do you have? How big is the barn?
We have 40 stalls and usually between 50 and 55 horses on the property at any given time. There are between 35-40 school-owned horses of all levels available for students to use in lessons and on independent rides.
Do the girls take care of the horses?
We have a professional staff that cares for the horses’ basic needs (stall cleaning, feeding, and medical care). The girls are expected to groom and tack their horses before riding, and care for them after their lessons. (This may include turn-out in the evenings.)
Where do you get your horses?
All the school-owned horses are donated to the school. We evaluate the horses very carefully to determine how they will work best within the program. When a horse no longer fits the program, or does not want to do school work any more, we find it a new placement in either a lease situation or a retirement home.
Where would I be riding?
Chatham Hall has three riding arenas: two outdoor arenas and the Mars Indoor Arena. We also have a permanent Hunter Trials course and many trails on campus. Oftentimes lessons are held in one of our many fields, to make use of the uneven terrain to help develop riders' positions and control.
Who are the instructors?
Cricket Stone, Director of Riding, has been at Chatham Hall for eight years. Previously she taught at St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, NC and Sweet Briar College in Amherst, VA. She’s been a professional in the equestrian world for over 20 years.
Kate Haisch, Assistant Director of Riding, was a student of Cricket's at Sweet Briar College, and interned at Chatham Hall before coming to work here six years ago. She has a solid equestrian background, having competed extensively on the west coast before college.
Alyson Kent, Instructor of Riding, is a Chatham Hall alumna, class of 1997, and graduate of Queens College. She has a long history of equestrian competition and training.
How often can I ride?
Riding is part of our physical education program. Students can choose to take riding for one or both of their gym classes each trimester.
Is there financial aid available to cover riding costs?
There is no direct aid, but we do offer the girls a work/study program in which they assist at the stables in return for credit toward their riding fees. Interested students should see the Director of Riding at the start of the school year.
Can I ride outside of class?
The stables are open seven days a week and students are welcome to come down during their free time. Students who board their own horses are required to keep the horse fit; students who ride school-owned horses may ride independently once they have passed a basic ranking test.
What is the ranking system?
We have developed a ranking system over the years that ensures the safety of our riders. The system is based on horsemanship and experience; all new students are considered “unranked” when they first arrive. No one may ride a school-owned horse independently until they have passed at least the first level of the ranking system.
What teams are available? Do I have to try out to be on a team?
Chatham Hall has a Varsity Riding Team and a Junior Varsity Riding Team. Both teams are based on rider commitment and do not require riders to try out before becoming members. Varsity team members commit to owning or leasing a horse, maintaining the fitness of their horse (and themselves), and competing at the top levels. Junior Varsity riders commit to owning or half-leasing a horse and competing at the local level.
What are the fees for showing? How do the girls pay for the shows?
When we participate in a show off campus, all show-related fees are paid up front by the school and then billed to the student's account. Typical fees include entry fees, shipping fees, hotel, braiding, medications, and training. For more information, please contact the Director of Riding.
Who cares for the horses at shows?
Each student is expected to care for her own horse when we are off campus at a show. We make sure every girl knows how to care for her horse properly, from mucking a stall to bandaging. The instructors at the show assist with horse care as needed.
How many students are in each lesson? Will I be riding with girls my level?
At the start of each school year, we “place” our new riders. We ask each girl to fill out an experience form and list her goals for the year. We watch each girl ride and then group the girls by level, previous experience, and goals for their lessons. We try to keep the lesson groups small so each rider can have personal training with their instructor. If we find we have placed a rider in the wrong group, we will work with her to find a more suitable lesson situation.
Can I bring my own horse to school? Will it be used in lessons?
Students are welcome to bring their own horse, provided the horse’s ability fits within our lesson program. A boarder's horse may not be ridden by any other student without written permission of the owner and the Director of Riding. There is a board agreement that is available from the Director of Riding.
What kind of turn out is available for privately owned horses? How often will my horse be turned out?
We have three large fields (25+ acres) and six smaller paddocks available for turn out. When a horse arrives, we ascertain its previous turn out history and work with the owner to decide which turn out situation will be the best for that individual horse. Most privately owned horses are turned out in the smaller paddocks with a companion. All horses are turned out every night, weather permitting. If there is an unusual turn out need, we will work with the owner to do what is best for the individual horse.
What are the veterinary and farrier arrangements for the horses?
The Chatham Animal Clinic, home to Dr. Paul Erwin and Dr. Ashley Shelton, is located on Pruden Street about a quarter of a mile from campus. Doctors Erwin and Shelton are available 24 hours a day for emergencies, and are frequently on campus for routine care. We employ two farriers, one specifically for the school-owned horses, and a Journeyman Farrier for the boarder-owned horses. One farrier is here at least two days each week, and one is always on call for emergencies.
What health records do I need before I bring my horse to school?
The boarding contract goes into detail about the vaccinations needed before bringing a horse onto campus. (You will need a current, negative Coggins test.) Once here, all horses are vaccinated for Flu/Rhino and are de-wormed every three months.
