Equestrian Program

Equestrian Excellence

Our Program

Equestrian excellence knows no bounds at McDonogh School. Our program boasts three indoor arenas and provides unparalleled opportunity for all levels of equestrians.

Our team of seven nationally certified trainers provides expert instruction that guides riders from the foundational levels of our Lower School PE program to the heights of varsity and college preparatory offerings, with carefully curated steps along the way.

Additionally, our one-of-a-kind horses and ponies are a testament to the beauty and grace of the equestrian world. From Leadline to Junior Hunter competition, our mounts are among the most coveted in the region.

What's more, our program is inclusive, welcoming students from local schools and colleges, as well as adults, to join our vibrant equestrian community and share in the joy of horsemanship.

Discover the extraordinary journey that awaits in McDonogh’s premier equestrian program. For more information, contact equestrian@mcdonogh.org.

McDonogh School Programs

McDonogh Junior Varsity and Varsity Athletic Teams

Open to McDonogh students in grades 9-12
Required Attendance: Monday-Thursday with optional Friday
Competition: Participation (competing, volunteering, or working) is required at 2-3 competitions per semester
Prepare riders for all levels of collegiate riding
Program Includes:
- 5-8 non-mounted educational days per semester
- Mounted training days on various appropriate mounts

Middle School Equestrian Team

Open to McDonogh students in grades 7 and 8
Required Attendance: Monday-Thursday
Competition: Not required
Program Includes:
- 5-8 non-mounted educational days per semester
- Mounted training days on various appropriate mounts

Open-To-All Programs

Leasing Program

Open to students in prekindergarten through twelfth grade
Regional and national competition opportunities based on individual goals are available throughout the year
Prepare riders for all levels of collegiate riding
Up to five lessons per week
Full and partial leases available

Lesson Program

Open to students in grades PK through twelfth grade
After School Monday-Thursday
Program Includes:
- Training days on various appropriate mounts
- Riding fundamentals
- Hands-on, unmounted lessons

Horse Boarding

Full care board
3 heated indoor training and competition rings with a mixture of Euroflet and sand footing
70-stall barn with automatic waterers and matted lining
40 acres of turnout including 25 paddocks with private turnout
3 heated wash stalls
50-stall competition stabling building

Summer Program

Over the summer months, McDonogh offers full- and half-day equestrian programs. Learn more.

Molly Moon Equestrian Scholarship

The Molly Moon Equestrian Scholarship is a summer program open to any interested children aged 6-12 who would benefit from direct instruction in a small group due to diagnosed learning and/or processing differences, including but not limited to, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, executive function disorder, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and any other medical and/or mental health challenge associated with an adverse effect on child development and education.

Summer 2026 Program application will open in the spring of 2026.

Applicants do not need to be current participants in McDonogh’s equestrian camps or lessons.

Questions?
Application Process: Steve Birdsall, sbirdsall@mcdonogh.org or 443-544-7021
Equestrian Program: Bristol Craft, bcraft@mcdonogh.org or 443-544-7120

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