Photo credit: Maryland Equine Imagery
Riding Program
When you visit us, you will find out why we say our riding program is “where learning moves outside of the classroom and into the barn.”
We develop the whole horseperson. Our riders are involved in all aspects of daily life at the barn. They learn how to care for the horses, how to develop their riding, and how to cultivate the relationship between horse and rider. With three different trainers, our riders benefit from a vast wealth of knowledge from across different disciplines.
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 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.
OFF-CAMPUS RIDING OPPORTUNITIES
Photo credit: Dava Snider
We compete in hunter/jumper, eventing, combined test, and dressage competitions including USEF/USHJA Rated and local shows.
Our program features the following teams: Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) hunt-seat team, IEA dressage team, American National Riding Commission (ANRC) team, and an eventing team. We offer many opportunities to ride off-campus at nearby farms and regularly bring in outside trainers to introduce our riders to activities such as team penning, polo, working equitation, and more.
In addition, we are thrilled to offer foxhunting with nearby Elkridge-Harford Hunt Club and Green Spring Valley Hounds. We love arranging field trips to volunteer or spectate at the numerous nearby events including the MARS Maryland 5 Star, MCTA Horse Trials, Maryland Hunt Cup, the Preakness Stakes, among others.
LEASING & BOARDING
Photo credit: Maryland Equine Imagery
Leasing
We have many wonderful horses appropriate for all levels and disciplines available for lease to Oldfields students. While leasing is not required to participate in the riding program, students who wish to show regularly must lease a school horse or bring their own. Leasing is also a fantastic option for committed riders who wish to strengthen their bond with a particular horse, are considering horse ownership in the future, or want to seriously advance in their riding.
We are happy to walk riders and their families through the process and finances of finding the appropriate horse for their rider’s goals. Please contact Amy Phillips, Director of Riding, to learn more about leasing opportunities.
Boarding
We gladly welcome students in bringing their own horse and boarding at our barn. Students who board their horses must participate in the Riding Program during all trimesters in which their horse is on campus. We provide high-quality care and work closely with families to design a custom-tailored nutrition and training program for each horse.
Commitment to Diversity
For centuries, horses have bridged the gap between different worlds and our barn is no exception. Our riding program is guided by the following goals:
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TO DEVELOP AND ENHANCE A YEARNING FOR KNOWLEDGE
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TO VALUE THE CHARACTER OF THE HORSE AND THE INTEGRITY OF THE SPORT
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TO HONOR THE PATH OF THE INDIVIDUAL
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TO SAVOR THE PROCESS OF LEARNING AND THE LESSONS DISCOVERED FROM OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH HORSES
- We aim to advance equestrian sport by celebrating the diversity, identity, and personal experience that each rider brings when they enter our barn. We are committed to creating a positive environment for riders of all races, religions, gender identities, ancestries, sexual orientations, and abilities.
We cultivate and protect this environment by prohibiting discrimination against riders on the basis of these aspects of personal identity. We recognize the value of each individual and the ways in which the equestrian world has excluded individuals and groups on the basis of personal identity.
We strive to model the change we wish to see and we recognize that it is a learning experience for everyone involved. We see this work as an essential part of the goals of our riding program, and we firmly believe that abiding by this creed will support our riders and the riders of the future.
Learn more about diversity, equality, and inclusion at Oldfields