Riding
Riding
Where learning moves out of the classroom and into the barn
An integral part of the Oldfields experience since 1867, the Oldfields Riding Program is dedicated to inspiring our riders to pursue a path of continued growth. Our goals are to develop and enhance a yearning for knowledge, to value the character of the horse and the integrity of the sport, to honor the path of the individual, and to savor the process of learning and the lessons discovered from our relationships with horses.
Want to hone your riding skills with our Oldfields riders? Click here for more information about our Oldfields Riding Summer Camp.
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Why Oldfields?
At Oldfields, there is no "typical lesson." Our lessons are tailored to the needs and goals of each individual. Some days, our riders might drill gymnastics or practice a dressage test. Others, they will experience the thrill of galloping in an open field or introducing their horse to working equitation obstacles.
Our accomplished and knowledgeable trainers draw from a combined 150+ years of experience across different disciplines to create an exceptional well-rounded curriculum. Above all else, we value horsemanship and our equine partners. Our barn is an inclusive place that strives to create a safe, inviting, and supportive environment in which all riders can grow.
"The barn crew not only helped me become the rider I want to be, but taught me so much more. It is through my time in the saddle that they taught me to stop, take a step back, and think about situations that frustrate me. Even if I feel like I hit a wall, I just need to be patient with myself, and try a different approach until I am able to overcome the obstacle that has stumped me. They have taught me to laugh at my own mistakes, and not take them too seriously."
Sophia, Oldfields School Student
“The Riding Program is extraordinary with so many choices of disciplines combined with the opportunity to learn from elite guest instructors. Best of all, my daughter was encouraged to grow as a rider at her own pace and participate in ways that were comfortable for her. The knowledge, confidence, and joy she gained from this experience was invaluable!”
Katherine Burdsall Heller, Parent, World Cup Finals Winner
“Oldfields Riding Program is unlike any other. Students can focus on a specific discipline while exploring other aspects of the equestrian world. The team of riding instructors is unmatched and focused on each girl’s growth. Our daughter finds tremendous joy in this exceptional program.”
Edward Gibbon, Parent
Equestrian Facilities
Welcoming Courtyard Style Barn
With 25 stalls, a newly built tack room, meeting space, and a spectacular view; the barn is a second home for many of our riders. Non-riding students enjoy visiting to relax among friends and animals.
Brand New Shedrow Barn
The newly built Anna Austen McCulloch barn features six additional oversized, airy stalls for our horses as well as an adjoining hay barn with ample storage space.
State-of-the-art Indoor Arena
Perched on top of Riding Hill, our 110' x 200' indoor arena with Eurofelt Prime Footing is loved by riders and horses. When not in use by our own riders, we are delighted to rent it to the wider equestrian community.
Lower Riding Ring
Our 95' x 200' lower ring, the Lana DuPont ’57 Riding Arena with GGT footing, is a multi-use arena that can accommodate a regulation large dressage arena, hunter/jumper courses, clinics, competitions, and lessons.
Upper Riding Ring
Our upper ring is a spacious 150' x 250' arena perfect for jumper courses. It features flexible fence lines to jump in and out of the ring onto Riding Hill.
Riding Hill
Our beloved Riding Hill is home to our modified cross country course, open fields for hacking, and access to an adjacent 300+ acre property. It also features some of the best views of campus.
Photo credit: Maryland Equine Imagery
Surrounding Horse Country
In addition to the facilities on our 130-acre campus, our ideal location nestled in Maryland's horse country provides our riders with countless opportunities to trail ride, school cross country courses, foxhunt with neighboring clubs, and so much more.
![Konstantine]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1621533244/oldfields/nn0mm9jdfaulfnp7cqlv/Konstantine_IMG_4551.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1621533244/oldfields/nn0mm9jdfaulfnp7cqlv/Konstantine_IMG_4551.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1621533244/oldfields/nn0mm9jdfaulfnp7cqlv/Konstantine_IMG_4551.jpg","width":800}])
![Baloumerang]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1621435425/oldfields/t3ndvo1eiu5gkpkzwh6u/Baloumerangbryceswan52217.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1621435425/oldfields/t3ndvo1eiu5gkpkzwh6u/Baloumerangbryceswan52217.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1621435425/oldfields/t3ndvo1eiu5gkpkzwh6u/Baloumerangbryceswan52217.jpg","width":799}])
![Changzhu]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1621435740/oldfields/k7fhertne9gnvnfqksju/ChangZhu_4428.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1621435740/oldfields/k7fhertne9gnvnfqksju/ChangZhu_4428.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1621435740/oldfields/k7fhertne9gnvnfqksju/ChangZhu_4428.jpg","width":800}])
![Verdi 2]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1621436298/oldfields/biljv4xgvzweqzgicjlg/Verdi2_4426.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1621436298/oldfields/biljv4xgvzweqzgicjlg/Verdi2_4426.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1621436298/oldfields/biljv4xgvzweqzgicjlg/Verdi2_4426.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1621436298/oldfields/biljv4xgvzweqzgicjlg/Verdi2_4426.jpg","width":803}])
our INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The internship program at Oldfields is our own creative take on the traditional working student model. Our interns are an invaluable part of the team. Beyond basic barn duties, they are also responsible for managing the care of each horse, riding school horses to maintain fitness and training, assisting with events and clinics, ensuring the success and wellbeing of students, and so much more.
Interns receive lessons with our trainers, hands-on instruction for barn management, showing and clinic opportunities, networking opportunities with industry professionals, and the ability to learn from a dynamic team with a combined 150+ years of horse experience. We support our interns' individual riding goals and encourage them to discover how they fit into the Oldfields and greater horse community. Applicants are encouraged to reach out early if interested.
