Coach: Elizabeth Brann, ebrann@millerschool.org

The riding program at Miller School of Albemarle teaches a variety of riding skills and concentrates on its students' sense of individual accomplishment and confidence-building relating to the equine world and beyond. Cooperation with other riders and team riding skills are also incorporated into the program. Students will move at his or her own pace and, as such, instructional sessions may be divided to facilitate the learning process.

Students in Beginning sessions will be able to attain basic riding skills and a strong familiarity with horses. Intermediate students will strengthen their current skills, develop new skills, and progress in their overall riding experience, mounted and on foot. All riders will develop a greater awareness for equipment and horse care as well as safe practices in equine care and sport. The focus of the instructional sessions will be on hunt seat equitation and safety. Participants will receive extensive barn training covering basic veterinary skills and the exercise and care of horses.

The season runs from August 24th until October 28th and includes 20 hunt seat equitation instructional sessions in a group setting. These instructional sessions will be held at Mechum's View Farm in a riding ring as well as on trails. Students will dedicate time to stable responsibilities, such as cleaning tack and feeding. They will also learn the parts of the bridle and saddle as well as the importance of proper care of horses. There will be lecturers, such as veterinarians, farriers, and other experienced equine enthusiasts as time permits. Students will dedicated approximately two days per week to physical fitness and conditioning, ensuring that students develop muscles correctly. This is also an opportunity for students to survey their surroundings, exploring trails at MSA.

Sessions are comprised of six to eight riders depending upon the number of students who apply and their level of expertise. Only students in grades 9 -12 are eligible. In case of inclement weather, we will hold barn classes to explore other areas of horse care. These include anatomy, health, grooming, feeding, tack, breeds, history of the horse, in-barn training and care, and movies or other visual instructional tools. To conclude each season, students will compete in an in house fun show where they will be judged on equitation and participate in fun riding games afterwards.

The students will be instructed by a local horse professional, Barbara Barrell. This twenty-five year veteran instructor has a wealth of knowledge in teaching beginner through advanced riders in both the hunter/jumper realm as well as natural horsemanship and ground training. She has an impeccable safety record and provides instruction for all age groups. In the summer, she holds riding camps and works with her students in developing horse shows to display the skills that they have learned.

The students will be instructed by a local horse professional, Barbara Barrell. This twenty-five year veteran instructor has a wealth of knowledge in teaching beginner through advanced riders in both the hunter/jumper realm as well as natural horsemanship and ground training. She has an impeccable safety record and provides instruction for all age groups. In the summer, she holds riding camps and works with her students in developing horse shows to display the skills that they have learned.

In order to be considered for the riding program, you must complete the application and release form. Please submit completed forms to Elizabeth Brann at ebrann@millerschool.org.

2011-2012 Team