Millbrook Students "Jump" for Horseback Riding Program
Millbrook is in the heart of the Hudson Valley's “horse country.” With vast landscapes of rolling hills, open spaces, and equine estates, our location provides unique opportunities for student activities and for horseback riding, in particular.
Knowing that Millbrook School is situated in this region, it is no surprise that students have a passion for, and participate in, our horseback riding athletic alternative program.
The organized riding program for Millbrook students is available at Kildare Stables, a five minute drive from campus. The school provides faculty transportation to Kildare, where students are taught by staff dedicated to instruction for high-level riders. Students practice their skills during athletic time blocks throughout the week.
“What I like the most about riding at Kildare is that I'm not by myself. It's great to see other students who ride around school and know that there are people with the same interests as me,” says Gabriel Diaz ’19. Like Gabriel, students who participate in the riding program at Millbrook come with prior experience and typically join as III formers.
Students have the option to board their horses from home at Kildare, but most enjoy the experience of riding different horses throughout the academic year. Kildare has approximately fifty horses on-site. “I like that Kildare gives me the opportunity to ride new horses every time I go there,” says, Lucinda Mills ‘19. “All of the horses are from Ireland, which makes it extra special. Irish sport horses are so honest.” Building relationships with multiple horses is part of the challenge of the sport, and Kildare offers students the opportunity to hone this skill.
Millbrook School and Kildare started the horseback riding athletic alternative program about eight years ago. The students look forward to learning from Kildare owners and instructors, Tom and Maddie Duggan, who push students to “ride to their ability,” with the goal of having them master cross country riding. “Riding horses is synonymous with the true Millbrook experience,” says Tom.
“For students who are competitive with their riding, they are able to improve throughout the year under this program,” says Anna Duggan ’17.
Lessons typically begin in the indoor stable and then move outdoors for jumping and flatwork. “What I like most about Kildare is that the people there are eager for all of us to learn. I also really like the responsibilities they put on us to get our horses prepared for riding,” says, Eli Bannett Mas ‘17.
Mac Grosscup ’19 said when asked about his lessons, “They are extremely fun and I have already noticed an improvement in all aspects of my technique. What I like most is the encouragement from the instructors, I have been comfortably pushed to jump higher and be more confident.”
Lessons typically begin in the indoor stable and then move outdoors for jumping and flatwork. “What I like most about Kildare is that the people there are eager for all of us to learn. I also really like the responsibilities they put on us to get our horses prepared for riding,” says, Eli Bannett Mas ‘17.
Mac Grosscup ’19 said when asked about his lessons, “They are extremely fun and I have already noticed an improvement in all aspects of my technique. What I like most is the encouragement from the instructors, I have been comfortably pushed to jump higher and be more confident.”
Students who participate in the program agree that it is a strong asset to the school. “I came to Millbrook in part because I was able to ride,” says Gabriel Diaz. Millbrook is proud that students are continuing to hone their skills, event, and hunt through the program with Kildare.
Horseback riding is one of many athletic alternative programs at Millbrook. A variety of other options are also offered to support existing passions and foster the discovery of new ones. These include martial arts, dance, outdoor skills, racquet sport recreation, skiing and snowboarding, strength and conditioning, theater, and zoo squad.
You can view photos of our student riders in our online photo gallery.
