A Full — and Fast — Fall for Riders
From Director of Riding Kate Worsham
Time flies when you are having fun — this must be why the fall riding season feels like it has passed by in a blink! The Riding Program welcomed 30 new faces to the program this fall along with many new private and donation horses. It is always exciting to get to know and build a rapport with the riders and the horses as we kick off the school year.
Time flies when you are having fun — this must be why the fall riding season feels like it has passed by in a blink! The Riding Program welcomed 30 new faces to the program this fall along with many new private and donation horses. It is always exciting to get to know and build a rapport with the riders and the horses as we kick off the school year.
The girls were busy in lessons of all levels focusing on developing, enhancing, and sustaining the muscle memory to support their most effective position and technique.
When working with horses and riders we place a high value on establishing a partnership where the communication is clear and consistent. In order to make this a reality, the riders must commit to practicing deliberately and correctly each time they swing their leg over a horse’s back. We are always so proud of our riders for embracing this concept and having the desire to build a solid foundation which ultimately allows them to ride a variety of different horses in many venues and settings both effectively and successfully.
The education of a rider often crosses the lines between riding and daily living and the girls develop social and academic skills as a by-product of productive time spent in the barn and with the horses. As the school year progresses, this growth becomes readily apparent and makes the work done in the Riding Program that much more rewarding.
When working with horses and riders we place a high value on establishing a partnership where the communication is clear and consistent. In order to make this a reality, the riders must commit to practicing deliberately and correctly each time they swing their leg over a horse’s back. We are always so proud of our riders for embracing this concept and having the desire to build a solid foundation which ultimately allows them to ride a variety of different horses in many venues and settings both effectively and successfully.
The education of a rider often crosses the lines between riding and daily living and the girls develop social and academic skills as a by-product of productive time spent in the barn and with the horses. As the school year progresses, this growth becomes readily apparent and makes the work done in the Riding Program that much more rewarding.
Often times the riders choose to test their progress and skills by competing at a variety of shows throughout the season. This fall was no exception as the riders attended both Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) shows, as well as rated hunter and jumper competitions.
The IEA team, led by Assistant Riding Directors Kendall Bear and Allie Pelz, and Captains Kayla L. '19, Madeline J. '19, and Elena B. '20, consists of a wide variety of riders ranging from those competing in the Walk-Trot-Canter classes to those in the Open division. In total, 23 Foxcroft riders are on the team roster this season, with 12 of them being new riders this year.
To date, the team has attended three regular season IEA shows and has hosted one show on campus at Foxcroft. The riders have brought home the championship honors from two of the shows, qualified the team for Regional Finals to be held in March, and earned many top ribbons, which puts six riders only a few points shy of individual qualification for Regionals. The sportsmanship, support for their teammates, and leadership from the captains has been outstanding, and riders and trainers alike are excited to keep going strong throughout the winter and into the post-season competitions this spring.
The IEA team, led by Assistant Riding Directors Kendall Bear and Allie Pelz, and Captains Kayla L. '19, Madeline J. '19, and Elena B. '20, consists of a wide variety of riders ranging from those competing in the Walk-Trot-Canter classes to those in the Open division. In total, 23 Foxcroft riders are on the team roster this season, with 12 of them being new riders this year.
To date, the team has attended three regular season IEA shows and has hosted one show on campus at Foxcroft. The riders have brought home the championship honors from two of the shows, qualified the team for Regional Finals to be held in March, and earned many top ribbons, which puts six riders only a few points shy of individual qualification for Regionals. The sportsmanship, support for their teammates, and leadership from the captains has been outstanding, and riders and trainers alike are excited to keep going strong throughout the winter and into the post-season competitions this spring.
On the rated horse show front, the riders attended shows in Virginia and Pennsylvania, competing in both the hunter and the jumper rings. With many new partnerships formed this summer and fall, the outings were a healthy blend of learning moments and celebratory moments. Cause for cheering and extra smiles came when senior Lizzie S. and her new horse, Casanova 513, aka Lion, brought home a tri-color at their very first competition together at the November Harvest Classic at Swan Lake. The pair plans to head to Wellington with Ms. Kate to compete at the Winter Equestrian Festival this season, so everyone was excited to see them get off to such a great start!
Also thrilling was a tri-color award for junior Chloe C., who hails from France, and Foxcroft's Russian Tempest in the .70m Training Jumpers at what was Chloe's showing debut here in the United States. We are looking forward to supporting them as they continue to learn and compete throughout the school year.
Senior Mackenzie H. and her horse, C'est La Vie, scored another set of firsts. The November Harvest Classic was Mackenzie’s first time competing him in the jumper ring after taking the reins from her father earlier in the fall and they earned the first place honors in the .90m Jumper Classic. They also finished second in the Low Children's Jumper Classic and will continue their education together and further solidify their showing ventures at WEF this winter.
In addition to the highlights listed above, great ribbons and excellent riding was on display at the Middleburg Classic, the Piedmont Jumper Classic, and the November Harvest Classic from juniors Elena B. and Emma D., sophomores Claire H., Hays L., and Siena W., and freshmen Caroline B. and Cecilia M. We are always proud of our riders for challenging themselves in the show ring, celebrating their victories with humility, supporting their peers, assessing what they need to work on for next time, and embracing the process of becoming well-rounded horsewomen!
Also thrilling was a tri-color award for junior Chloe C., who hails from France, and Foxcroft's Russian Tempest in the .70m Training Jumpers at what was Chloe's showing debut here in the United States. We are looking forward to supporting them as they continue to learn and compete throughout the school year.
Senior Mackenzie H. and her horse, C'est La Vie, scored another set of firsts. The November Harvest Classic was Mackenzie’s first time competing him in the jumper ring after taking the reins from her father earlier in the fall and they earned the first place honors in the .90m Jumper Classic. They also finished second in the Low Children's Jumper Classic and will continue their education together and further solidify their showing ventures at WEF this winter.
In addition to the highlights listed above, great ribbons and excellent riding was on display at the Middleburg Classic, the Piedmont Jumper Classic, and the November Harvest Classic from juniors Elena B. and Emma D., sophomores Claire H., Hays L., and Siena W., and freshmen Caroline B. and Cecilia M. We are always proud of our riders for challenging themselves in the show ring, celebrating their victories with humility, supporting their peers, assessing what they need to work on for next time, and embracing the process of becoming well-rounded horsewomen!
With the winter riding season underway, we are setting our sights on continued good work in lessons at home, more success at the IEA shows, some upcoming foxhunting adventures now that the rainy weather is hopefully behind us, and a productive winter circuit program in Wellington with the Foxcroft riders.
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An all-girls boarding and day school in Northern Virginia, Foxcroft prepares young women in grades 9-12 for success in college and in life. Our outstanding academic program offers challenging courses, including Advanced Placement classes and an innovative STEM program. Our premiere equestrian program is nationally recognized, and our athletic teams have won conference and state championships. Experience the best in girls' boarding schools: visit Foxcroft.
