8-02-2024 4:18am

A HUNT VALLEY

These riders have been so much fun to have in our barn. Today our morning lessons focused on jumping gymnastics, basic course design, walking a line, and how to measure jumps off the wall for course placement. Then the riders rode their course.

This afternoon started with an ice cream social with our Head of School, Mrs. Smithwick. Next up— a trip to Maryland Saddlery where we met owner, Hope Birsh, to learn about bits and bitting. The riders LOVED it.

We took the long way home past beautiful MD horse farms and the riders were able to see the MD Hunt Cup course. We finished our day with milkshakes (it is hot so lots of ice cream and popsicles is necessary throughout the day!). More adventures and learning tomorrow.

Riding Program

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.

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 horse person. 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.

IEA Equestrian Team

Oldfields School Riding is excited to offer hunt seat and dressage Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) teams. IEA is a fantastic opportunity to develop competitive riding skills, ride many different horses, form new friendships, and prepare for riding at a collegiate level.

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.

Photos courtesy of Old Fields School Riding: INFO HERE