The Equestrian Program

The Barrie School is unique in that it owns a stable full of safe ponies and horses for children – right on the property! Formal lessons are available to all students ages 4 and up. All classes emphasize safety, age appropriate horse and equipment care, skills and enjoyment of riding.

Classes promote camaraderie and team spirit. Riding is an activity that is fun and therapeutic socially, mentally, and physically. Responsibility for themselves and a live animal helps provide a bonding experience. Achievements are the building blocks for developing the students’ self-confidence and poise. Skill development enriches the riding experience and often makes this activity the highlight of the child’s week.

The 2 and 3 year old Class: Pony rides are part of the curriculum for each child. We do not offer formal lessons to this age group. Classroom teachers lead the ponies with supervision from Barn Staff.

Primary Division: Ours is the only program of its kind for pre-school children in the area. Under the supervision of 2 instructors, students learn riding fundamentals and pony care. Students learn to ride unassisted at the walk, as well as to stop and turn. Once these skills are mastered, students progress to trotting.

Individual accomplishments are gauged by the interest and ability of each student.

Lower Elementary (Grades 1-3): Building on skills learned in the Primary Division, students in grades 1 through 3 learn fundamental skills in riding and horse care. They progress to unassisted control at the trot and can post in rhythm with the beat. Having mastered posting in a secure position, cantering is introduced. Again, the individual sets the pace.

Older Students (Grades 4-12): For students in Grades 4 and above, lessons are offered after school. These classes are recommended for students interested in competitive riding, or for those who desire more personal attention. As always, the pace for achievement is set by the student. At this level, lessons focus on the refinement of technique, horse care and management. Depending on past experience, cantering and jumping may also be taught at this level.

Horse Shows: Each riding group will have a horse show at the conclusion of the semester program. Awards will be presented to every child. This is a non-competitive highlight of the group riding program. Parents and friends are invited.

The Barrie School Varsity and Junior Varsity Riding Team – Inter School Horse Show Series Champions!

The Barrie School Varsity Riding Team have been ISHS ’06, ’07 and ’08 Champions and compete on the ISHS circuit, along with 40 other area schools. The object of competing is for riding athletes to get the recognition for this sport representing their school in a competitive atmosphere.

For team show schedules, click HERE to download the Barrie School Athletic Calendar. You may also visit the ISHS website for more information on the series, shows and directions to show locations.

Riding Attire Requirements

• Headgear: Protective helmets that meet current SEI/ASTM standards are a mandatory requirement for all students. Barrie provides these helmets in assorted sizes at no charge. Personal helmets may be used only if they meet the above standards. Personal helmets may be kept at the barn, if names are written inside the helmet. Bike helmets are not acceptable.
• Riding Pants: Long pants are necessary to prevent leg sores. Jeans are acceptable. UPPER ELEMENTARY must wear jeans and hiking boots. ALL children who canter and jump must have jodhpurs or breeches and riding boots or hiking boots.
• Footwear: Riding boots, hiking boots or hard-soled shoes with a distinctive heel are preferred. Sneakers are acceptable but they are not as safe as boots. Rubber riding boots, open-toed shoes and cowboy boots are not acceptable. Please, no Velcro tennis shoes - they get stuck in the stirrup, and this can be dangerous.

To schedule riding lessons, or to find out more about the program, call Paige Dunn, Riding Coach and Director of the Equestrian Program at 301-576-2834.