DOWNLOAD a Riding Program information sheet.
Since the founding of Foxcroft in 1914, horsemanship, and the responsibility that goes along with it, has been an integral part of the Foxcroft experience. From the School’s founder (and first riding instructor), Charlotte Haxall Noland, to the current Director of Riding, Kate Worsham, all of Foxcroft’s riding instructors have promoted the philosophy that riding helps develop character and the ability to make good decisions.
Since the founding of Foxcroft in 1914, horsemanship, and the responsibility that goes along with it, has been an integral part of the Foxcroft experience. From the School’s founder (and first riding instructor), Charlotte Haxall Noland, to the current Director of Riding, Kate Worsham, all of Foxcroft’s riding instructors have promoted the philosophy that riding helps develop character and the ability to make good decisions.
Foxcroft’s comprehensive riding program is tailored to meet the needs of a diverse group of girls. The program is open to riders of varying abilities from the beginner to the experienced and seasoned horsewoman. Whether a rider’s interest lies in competing regularly, in riding for pleasure, or somewhere in between, she has a place in the program at Foxcroft. The School’s 500 acres of rolling countryside in the heart of Virginia’s horse country provide the perfect setting for the modern facilities and the renowned riding program.
In order to create well-rounded riders, the girls are educated through mounted lessons as well as horse management discussions and activities. The curriculum for mounted lessons is customized to suit riders at the Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. Experienced riders may choose to specialize in hunter-jumper, combined training, or dressage. In all disciplines, the instruction is based on the tenets of hunter seat equitation in order to establish a fundamentally sound riding position. Lessons take place in the indoor and outdoor rings, on the cross-country course, as well as on the miles of extensive trails which are accessible from the Foxcroft stable. As with everything in the riding program, the lesson structure is specifically suited to the individual riders; lessons are conducted in small group formats, sometimes consisting of as few as one or two students, depending on each rider’s needs as well as her academic and athletic schedules.
The Beginner classes emphasize activities such as grooming and basic horse care as well as mounted skills such as stability of position and control of the horse in a group setting. As the beginners develop proficiency at riding at the walk, trot and canter in small groups, they are invited to showcase their skills by participating in a series of in-house horse shows.
The Intermediate and Advanced riders focus on maintaining their form while learning more intricate flatwork and jumping exercises. Each of these riders is given the opportunity to compete in her discipline(s) of choice. Competitive experiences ranging from local to rated venues are offered in all disciplines. Through both on-site trainers as well as guest instructors and clinicians, Foxcroft provides complete instruction for riders interested in competing in equitation, hunters, jumpers, combined training and dressage. In addition, the Riding Program supports and works well with non-Foxcroft trainers that riders may already be working with to help complement and enhance each rider’s personal equestrian education.
A variety of additional opportunities are also offered either through the Riding Program or related clubs and activities. These include competing with the Foxcroft Riding Team, riding with the Middleburg Hunt, being part of the Whippers-In riding club and joining the nascent Polo Club.
Through the riding program, students are invited to try out for the Foxcroft Riding Team, which competes in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) throughout the school year. The IEA format is based on the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA), which tests a rider’s technical skills and correctness of position while catch-riding an unfamiliar horse in equitation classes both on the flat and over fences. The IEA is open to riders ranging from the Walk-Trot-Canter level through the Open Division, for riders who have competed in divisions at 3’3” and higher. The IEA is a wonderful means of taking a primarily individual sport and giving it a team dynamic.
Foxcroft’s Riding Program has a long-standing relationship with the Middleburg Hunt. Qualified advanced riders may be invited to enjoy the thrill of riding to the hounds at foxhunting meets starting in early fall and continuing through early spring. The School owns many well-trained and suitable hunt horses that help to teach the riders the fundamentals of a sport that is steeped in history and tradition which goes back to the School’s founding.
Quality horses, professionalism, and a fun learning environment are all hallmarks of the Riding Program at Foxcroft. Interested parties are encouraged to make an appointment to audit a lesson, meet with current riders, and take a tour of the stable and facilities. These visits, as well an informational phone conversations with Director of Riding Kate Worsham may be arranged through the Admission Office (540.687.4340; gina.finn@foxcroft.org).