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News & Photos
The Boston Equestrian Center: Reining in a New Era
A milestone years in the making, the Boston Equestrian Center was formally dedicated on the evening of Thursday, May 14, at a gathering of more than 75 parents, alumni, trustees, administrators, and friends.
Although riders have already been using the new facility, the event served as an opportunity to officially dedicate the space and celebrate the continued growth of McDonogh’s nationally recognized equestrian program. The new center represents a major investment in the future of riding at McDonogh.
Over the last few years, significant improvements have been made, including the addition of a second indoor ring; upgrades to the outdoor rings; expanded fields equipped with automatic waterers; new jumps; and a leading-edge show office and viewing room. In addition, the main entrance and drive have been enhanced to allow easier tractor-trailer access, office space has been reorganized to expand tack rooms, the back of the barn has been redesigned to include grooming stalls, and climate control was optimized with new fans for summer comfort and heat for the winter months.
The expanded facilities will elevate the experience for student-athletes while positioning McDonogh to host premier competitions and further strengthen its reputation within the equestrian community.
During his remarks, Head of School Dave Farace ’87 expressed special gratitude to Trustee Wally Boston '72, his wife Sharon, and their daughters Grace '18 and Sarah '18, whose shared vision and generosity made the project possible.
The Boston’s connection to the program began when Grace and Sarah discovered a love of riding as students in McDonogh’s Lower School. Over time, they witnessed the confidence, discipline, and joy the program fostered and chose to invest in creating those same opportunities for future generations of riders. The Boston Equestrian Center exemplifies that commitment, enhancing daily training opportunities and creating a foundation for future growth.
Speaking on behalf of his family, Wally Boston said, "The expanded facilities are not just improvements to buildings and grounds. They are investments in students and our community. They are investments in horsemanship. They are investments in the quiet, daily lessons that happen when a young rider learns to tack up properly, to care for a pony before caring about a ribbon, to persevere after a hard round, and to celebrate someone else’s success as much as their own."
He continued by noting the remarkable achievements of McDonogh’s equestrians who have competed in the sport, adding, "Former McDonogh riders have also become trainers, breeders, coaches, veterinarians, and owners committed to the equestrian industry. They have also become doctors, lawyers, teachers, and businessmen and women committed to their profession and to the sport of riding. Those accomplishments are worthy of celebration. They reflect discipline, excellence, and years of hard work."
Director of Equestrian Programs Bristol Craft shared, “McDonogh’s riding program develops confident, self-assured young people who learn to show up with responsibility, face challenges with resilience, and grow through both success and setbacks. It creates an environment that supports each rider’s growth at every stage.”
She continued, “As we look ahead, my goal is to build on that strong foundation. I want this to be a place where every student feels they belong in the barn, regardless of experience or aspiration. This facility allows us to meet students where they are and help them thrive in whatever direction they choose.”
To learn more about McDonogh’s equestrian program, or to tour the facilities, email Director of Equestrian Programs Bristol Craft at bcraft@mcdonogh.org. You can also follow the program on Instagram @mcdonogh.equestrian.
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A milestone years in the making, the Boston Equestrian Center was formally dedicated on the evening of Thursday, May 14, at a gathering of more than 75 parents, alumni, trustees, administrators, and friends.
Although riders have already been using the new facility, the event served as an opportunity to officially dedicate the space and celebrate the continued growth of McDonogh’s nationally recognized equestrian program. The new center represents a major investment in the future of riding at McDonogh.
Over the last few years, significant improvements have been made, including the addition of a second indoor ring; upgrades to the outdoor rings; expanded fields equipped with automatic waterers; new jumps; and a leading-edge show office and viewing room. In addition, the main entrance and drive have been enhanced to allow easier tractor-trailer access, office space has been reorganized to expand tack rooms, the back of the barn has been redesigned to include grooming stalls, and climate control was optimized with new fans for summer comfort and heat for the winter months.
The expanded facilities will elevate the experience for student-athletes while positioning McDonogh to host premier competitions and further strengthen its reputation within the equestrian community.
During his remarks, Head of School Dave Farace ’87 expressed special gratitude to Trustee Wally Boston '72, his wife Sharon, and their daughters Grace '18 and Sarah '18, whose shared vision and generosity made the project possible.
The Boston’s connection to the program began when Grace and Sarah discovered a love of riding as students in McDonogh’s Lower School. Over time, they witnessed the confidence, discipline, and joy the program fostered and chose to invest in creating those same opportunities for future generations of riders. The Boston Equestrian Center exemplifies that commitment, enhancing daily training opportunities and creating a foundation for future growth.
Speaking on behalf of his family, Wally Boston said, "The expanded facilities are not just improvements to buildings and grounds. They are investments in students and our community. They are investments in horsemanship. They are investments in the quiet, daily lessons that happen when a young rider learns to tack up properly, to care for a pony before caring about a ribbon, to persevere after a hard round, and to celebrate someone else’s success as much as their own."
He continued by noting the remarkable achievements of McDonogh’s equestrians who have competed in the sport, adding, "Former McDonogh riders have also become trainers, breeders, coaches, veterinarians, and owners committed to the equestrian industry. They have also become doctors, lawyers, teachers, and businessmen and women committed to their profession and to the sport of riding. Those accomplishments are worthy of celebration. They reflect discipline, excellence, and years of hard work."
Director of Equestrian Programs Bristol Craft shared, “McDonogh’s riding program develops confident, self-assured young people who learn to show up with responsibility, face challenges with resilience, and grow through both success and setbacks. It creates an environment that supports each rider’s growth at every stage.”
She continued, “As we look ahead, my goal is to build on that strong foundation. I want this to be a place where every student feels they belong in the barn, regardless of experience or aspiration. This facility allows us to meet students where they are and help them thrive in whatever direction they choose.”
To learn more about McDonogh’s equestrian program, or to tour the facilities, email Director of Equestrian Programs Bristol Craft at bcraft@mcdonogh.org. You can also follow the program on Instagram @mcdonogh.equestrian.