Athletics & Riding
Riding Program
Chatham Hall Riding: A Legacy of Excellence and Horsemanship
At Chatham Hall, our Riding Program is founded on the principles of the American Forward Riding System and enriched by modern hunter/jumper and equitation techniques. We believe in educating the whole rider, developing not only technical skill but also a deep understanding of horsemanship, critical thinking, and leadership. Through comprehensive mounted and unmounted instruction, students become knowledgeable, confident, and compassionate horsewomen.
Boasting one of the largest indoor arenas in the independent school world at 120'x250' (31,250 sq ft.), our facilities match the caliber of the equestrian boarding school program we offer.
Boasting one of the largest indoor arenas in the independent school world at 120'x250' (31,250 sq ft.), our facilities match the caliber of the equestrian boarding school program we offer.
Riders train in a supportive and challenging environment that fosters personal growth and resilience. From home shows to nationally recognized competitions, students gain valuable experience, sportsmanship, and a strong sense of community. Our Equine Science Program deepens this experience, allowing students to explore anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and equine care through a scientific lens, building both practical knowledge and academic insight.
Beyond competition, our program emphasizes care, wellness, and veterinary understanding, preparing students for success in and out of the saddle. The Chatham Hall Riding Program reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence, integrity, and lifelong passion, empowering young women to lead with confidence and respect for their equine partners and themselves.
Our Riding Program
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Our Horses
Our Riding Program offers a diverse herd of over 30 horses, carefully matched to riders at every level—from beginner-safe horses to experienced show competitors. Students may choose to ride school horses, lease select program horses, or bring and board their own horses on campus. With dedicated care and thoughtful pairing, each rider has the opportunity to build confidence, develop skills, and form meaningful connections with their equine partners, creating a truly rewarding riding experience. -
Facilities
Chatham Hall’s expansive equestrian facility supports riders of all levels, year-round. At its center is the Mars Riding Arena—a 125’ x 250’ (31,250 sq ft.) indoor space recently upgraded with Footing First TravelBrite footing and new knee walls to enhance safety and performance. The arena includes eight stalls, two wash bays, offices, and a classroom to support both riding and academic learning. A newly added covered arena connects directly to the indoor space, providing an all-weather schooling area ideal for daily training and competition preparation. Additional features include two outdoor sand rings, Mullen Field, a permanent Hunter Trial course, and a scenic trail system, offering students a variety of riding experiences beyond the ring. Learn more here.
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Boarding & Leasing
Boarding your horse is an option if you're interested in bringing one from home. This can be a great way for you to continue working and developing your partnership while here at school. Students who do not own their own horse, but would like the opportunity to lease a horse, may do so as well. A number of our School horses are available for lease or students may work with the director of Riding to find a suitable lease horse from off property. -
Horse Showing
The Chatham Hall Riding Program offers our students the chance to horse show in a variety of different ways throughout their time here. We have a competitive Interscholastic Equestrian Team (IEA) team that hosts multiple shows on campus each year and routinely qualifies individuals and the team for Zones and National Finals. Additionally, we offer opportunities to travel and show at local and A-rated competitions throughout the region.
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Equine Science and Internship Opportunities
The Equine Science Program at Chatham Hall provides students with a unique, hands-on learning experience centered around our own horses. Through experiential learning, students are encouraged to explore their interests, develop research skills, and deepen their understanding of equine care and science. Those who have enrolled in Equine Science and completed the course may also apply for our Veterinary Science Internship at Chatham Animal Clinic during J-Term, where they gain real-world experience working with large, small, and exotic animals in a professional clinical setting. -
Facility Rentals
Chatham Hall’s Riding Program offers facility rentals during the winter and summer months for clinics, lessons, and other equestrian activities. Our versatile spaces are available for short- or long-term use, with pricing based on the number of areas reserved and the length of the rental. For more information and pricing details, please contact Emma Lane.
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Horsemanship
At Chatham Hall, we believe that exceptional riders are also knowledgeable and compassionate horsewomen. Our program emphasizes the importance of both mounted and unmounted instruction, fostering a well-rounded and deeply rooted understanding of equine care. In addition to daily riding lessons, one day each week is devoted entirely to unmounted instruction. During this time, students gain hands-on experience in essential areas such as horse care, tack and equipment, grooming, nutrition, facility management, and introductory veterinary practices. This holistic approach not only builds technical expertise but also instills confidence, responsibility, and a lifelong respect for the horse, ensuring that our graduates are prepared for success both in and out of the saddle. -
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Chatham Hall offers residential summer riding opportunities at two levels. Riders ages 10-16 that feel comfortable independently walking, trotting, and cantering are invited to participate in Summer Riding. Advanced riders ages 12-16 with an interest in showing in the USEF and collegiate format are invited to our intensive four-day clinic Show Like a Pro. Learn more at www.chathamhall.org/summer.
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Riding News
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Teaching Equine Ethics Through Experiential Learning
Read MoreThis January Term, students explored equine ethics and learned what it truly means to be responsible, compassionate horsewomen.
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Here Is Your IEA Regional Finals Team
Read MoreWe are proud to introduce Chatham Hall’s IEA Regional Finals Team.
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Riding FAQs
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Do the students care for the horses?
We have a professional staff that cares for the horses’ basic needs including stall cleaning, feeding, and medical care. The girls groom and tack up their own horses for lessons and care for them after their ride. All of the students in the Riding Program work to care for our beautiful facility and turn out the horses in the evenings. -
How big is the barn?
We have 40 stalls and there are approximately 40 horses on the property at any given time. Generally, Chatham Hall offers 25–30 School-owned horses of all levels available for students to use in lessons and on independent rides. -
How many students are in each lesson?
Typically lesson groups are around 4-6 riders and fluctuate each day based on what a lesson is focusing on and each individual rider's goals. There is also the opportunity to take one or two private lessons each week, these will usually take place during the academic day. -
How often can I ride?
The Riding Program operates in tandem with the Chatham Hall Athletics Program. Students in the Riding Program meet Monday-Friday from 4:00-6:00 p.m. There are four days of lessons and one day dedicated to working out and horsemanship lessons. Riders in their first season riding at Chatham Hall will ride three days a week and have their fourth riding day dedicated to learning about horsemanship and how we do things here. -
Where would I be riding?
Chatham Hall has four riding arenas: the indoor Mars Arena, the covered arena, and two outdoor arenas. We also have a permanent Hunter Trial course and a field dedicated to riding. Often, lessons are held in one of these fields to make use of the uneven terrain to help develop the riders' position and controls. As an equestrian boarding school, our Riding Program is woven into every aspect of School life, and that includes making use of our campus! -
What are the fees for riding and showing?
Riding fees are billed home on a monthly basis. 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. -
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 the stable manager in return for credit toward their riding fees. Interested students should contact the director of Riding at the beginning of each semester to apply for a position. This program is only open to students in at least their second semester at Chatham Hall and in good academic standing.
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What are the veterinarian & farrier arrangements for the horses?
The Chatham Animal Clinic is located on Main Street, about half a mile from campus. The Clinic's Dr. Natalie Baker and Dr. Paul Erwin are available 24 hours a day for emergencies and are frequently on campus for routine care. We employ a Certified Journeyman Farrier, Storm Myers, who comes to Chatham Hall every week and is on-call for emergencies. -
What equipment do I need?
All horses come equipped with their own tack. Riders need to only own an ASTM approved helmet, paddock boots & half chaps, and breeches. Riders who board their own horses must supply all equipment needed for their care. If you are uncertain as to what to bring please contact the Riding faculty. -
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. Please contact the Barn Manager, Carley Sukkert, for further information. -
What kind of turnout is available for privately owned horses?
We have three large grass pastures and nine paddocks of various sizes with grass and dry lot availability depending on horse turnout needs. When a horse arrives, we ascertain its previous turnout history and work with the owner to decide which turnout situation will be the best for that individual horse. Most privately owned horses are turned out in the smaller paddocks alone or with one companion. Most horses are turned out every night, weather permitting. If there is an unusual turnout need, we will work with the owner to do what is best for the individual horse. -
Can a student participate in riding and another athletic team?
There is the option for a student to play a team sport and take private per diem lessons at the same time. In this case, students would head to their team sport during the athletic period from 4:00-6:00 p.m. each afternoon and schedule private lessons with the director of riding during a gap in their academic day. Interested students can reach out in the first weeks of the semester to set this up.
Upcoming Shows
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Southwest Virginia Hunter Jumper Association Outreach Competition
Mars Riding Arena & Barn - Mars Indoor Riding Arena - 001
SWVHJA Competition Details
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Horse Donation
Chatham Hall's Riding Program wouldn't be able to function without the generous gift of donated horses. Learn more about the or reach out to Director of Riding Ally Doyon.
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Main Phone
+1 434.432.2941
Admissions Contact
+1 434.432.5516 • admissions@chathamhall.org
Boarding and day school for girls in grades 9-12 in the Episcopal tradition.