Riding Program
Over the past seventy years, the riding program has been an important part of the athletic curriculum at Madeira. Designed to challenge both the beginner and the experienced rider, the goal of the program is to develop self-assured and disciplined riders capable of participating in a wide range of equestrian activities. Instructors are committed to assisting each rider develop her talents and skills and achieve a sense of individual accomplishment.
Riding Classes
Students enrolled in the program receive physical education credit and are scheduled to ride three times per week. Instruction in hunter seat equitation and stable management skills are incorporated in the regular curriculum. Students are encouraged to spend time at the stables and ride independently outside of class on weekends. Riders may enroll by trimester or for the entire year. Students boarding their own horses must participate in the riding program. Browse the physical education course offerings.
Competition
Madeira fields a varsity and junior varsity riding team and competes in several interscholastic show series including the Tri-State Equitation League, the Mid-Atlantic Show Series, the National Interscholastic Equestrian Association, and the Interscholastic Equestrian Association on the national level. Riders of all levels are encouraged to try out for the team. Several in-house shows and special events are held throughout the year. Riders may also compete on privately owned or school-owned horses at local and rated shows in a variety of disciplines including hunters, jumpers, equitation, combined training and dressage.
The riding club sponsors special events like the Parents' Weekend Gambler's Choice, a trip to the Washington International Horse Show, and riding holidays abroad. Our riders have been tremendously successful at events both locally and nationally.