Take Your Horse to Boarding School
By Liz Moyer / Brought to you by Stoneleigh-Burnham School
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to attend a boarding school with an equestrian program? Going to boarding school can provide advanced academic opportunities and preparation for college. It also allows students to develop independence at an early age. And for middle school and high school students dedicated to horses and riding, attending a boarding school with a top-level equestrian facility and bringing your horse with you adds even more to the experience.
Beyond Boarding School
A boarding school with an equestrian program offers the best of both worlds when it comes to achieving academic goals and pursuing your passion. Add an amazing equestrian facility with a dedicated riding and barn staff, and bringing your horse to campus is an easy decision.
“Students love having the opportunity to see their horse every day, ride after school around our 100-acre campus, take them on our trail, and introduce them to their friends,” says Maah Otchere ’15, alumna, former rider and Assistant Director of Advancement for Stoneleigh-Burnham School in Greenfield, Mass. “Having your horse on campus means you don’t have to choose between your passion for riding and your experience at a boarding school. At Stoneleigh-Burnham you can have both.”
Stoneleigh-Burnham School is a boarding and day school for girls in grades 7–12 with an option to pursue a postgraduate degree for young women who have graduated high school but request an extra year of preparation before college.
Led by a team of experienced equine professionals and coaches, the equestrian program features an on-campus barn, riding facilities with two indoor riding rings, a viewing lounge a cross-country field, outdoor arena, a riding trail, and more. Up to 30 horses reside on campus along with 26 full-time riding students.
Equestrian Student Life
Maria E., an upper-school student at Stoneleigh-Burnham School, boards her horse on campus. She is on the school’s hunt seat equestrian team and also competes in the sport of Eventing.
“Having my horse on campus has taught me so much responsibility and been a highlight of my time at Stoneleigh-Burnham,” she says. “The barn manager, Kay Ward, takes excellent care of the horses, and I get to be involved in all decisions involving my horse’s care. The responsibility of advocating for my horse has helped me grow into a better equestrian and person.”
The school also maintains a herd of resident lesson horses as part of the equestrian program.
“If you do not have a horse, it will not take away from your experience as a Stoneleigh-Burnham equestrian,” shares Maria, noting that whether you have your own horse or ride one of the school’s, the opportunities and daily routines are similar for all students in the equestrian program. Having the option to ride different horses is also a great way to expand your skills and grow as a rider.
With the barn right on campus, horses fit easily into a student’s schedules. A shared love of horses also leads to close friendships.
“Typically, my day consists of classes followed by an afternoon spent at the barn, although, occasionally, I will have a lesson scheduled during the day when I have a free period,” states Maria. “After my lesson I will often stay at the barn watching my friends ride and hanging out in the aisles and lounge. The barn community at Stoneleigh-Burnham is very tight-knit and is an amazing way to make new friends. We spend a lot of time at the barn learning, competing, and supporting each other. I have met some of my closest friends through our shared time together at the barn.”
Equestrian Boarding School Experiences
Attending a boarding school with a focus on riding can offer learning opportunities beyond regular riding lessons and horse shows. For example, Stoneleigh-Burnham often brings in top instructors to share their knowledge, such as a recent riding clinic with Olympic Eventer Will Coleman, winner of the 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*.
Another special opportunity, provided by Stoneleigh-Burnham is the internship program at the Equestrian Center. Maria participated in the program during her freshman year and found it to be an invaluable learning experience.
“I participated in weekly lectures, aided with practicals in horse care, and got a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run an equestrian facility,” she recalls. “This experience gave me the knowledge required to pursue an equestrian career and taught me life skills, such as resume writing and interviewing.”
Overall, she says that being part of the Stoneleigh-Burnham equestrian community has been crucial in her evolution as a person and equestrian.
“My favorite memory of having my horse on campus was being able to come down to the barn after a long day of school and getting to see him. Having a barn on campus has made my high school experience so special, and being surrounded by other passionate equestrians helps motivate me every day to be a better rider and horse person.”
About Stoneleigh-Burnham School
At Stoneleigh-Burnham School, we’re serious about helping our student-riders achieve their equestrian dreams and goals. Stoneleigh-Burnham School is one of the few programs boasting an on-campus barn and riding rings with indoor viewing lounges. Every rider, from beginner to advanced, receives personalized instruction that reflects her interests, goals, and abilities. Licensed coaches provide instruction tailored to all levels with training in equitation, hunter, jumper, eventing, and dressage. Additionally, internships for students looking to take their knowledge beyond the ring are available. Group classes are typically comprised of four to six students, with great care taken to match ability levels within a group. Private and semi-private lessons are also available.
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