Equestrian Program - Athletics - McDonogh School
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Athletics

Equestrian Program

Equine Excellence

Our Program

Equine excellence knows no bounds at McDonogh School. Boasting two indoor arenas (and another under construction), our program 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.

McDonogh School Programs

McDonogh Varsity Athletic Team

  • 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
  • Program Includes: 
    • 5-8 non-mounted educational days per semester 
    • Mounted training days on various appropriate mounts

McDonogh Junior Varsity Athletic Team

  • Open to McDonogh students in grades 9-12
  • Required Attendance: Monday-Thursday 
  • Competition: Not required 
  • Program Includes: 
    • 5-8 non-mounted educational days per semester 
    • Mounted training days on various appropriate mounts

Middle School Educational Equestrian Team

  • Open to McDonogh students in grades 6-8
  • Required Attendance: Monday-Thursday 
  • Competition: Not required 
  • Program Includes: 
    • 5-8 non-mounted educational days per semester 
    • Mounted training days on various appropriate mounts

Middle School Equestrian Competition Team

  • Open to McDonogh students in grades 6-8 
  • Required Attendance: Monday-Thursday 
  • Competition: A minimum of two competitions are required per semester
  • Program Includes: 
    • 5-8 non-mounted educational days per semester 
    • Semester lease of assigned appropriate horse/pony 
    • Cohesive trainer availability during training and competition
    • Holiday and Saturday training opportunities  

Open-To-All Programs

Junior Equestrian Competition Team

  • Open to students in kindergarten through fifth grade 
  • Competition: A minimum of two competitions are required per semester
  • Program Includes:
    • 5-8 non-mounted educational days per semester 
    • Semester lease of assigned appropriate horse/pony 
    • Cohesive trainer availability during training and competition
    • Holiday and Saturday training opportunities  

Pony Pilot Program

  • Open to students in grades PK through third grade 
  • Three lessons maximum per week
  • Semester partial lease of assigned appropriate horse/pony 

Lesson Program

  • Open to students in grades PK through eighth grade 
  • After School Monday-Thursday 
  • Program Includes:
    • Training days on various appropriate mounts
    • Basics development 
    • Hands-on non-mounted lessons may be given during inclement weather

Emerging Athletes Program

  • Open to students in grades 7-11; Application required; Limited acceptance
  • Each rider will receive an individualized competition schedule curated for their individual goals 
  • Program Objectives: 
    • Provide highly motivated riders with intensive training and equine-related education
    • Prepare riders for all levels of collegiate riding
    • Apply the mental skills taught for the competition ring to everyday life challenges and adversity
    • Instill confidence and independence through hard work, grit, and determination

Horse Boarding/Leasing Program 

  • Open to all  
  • Full board care 

Equestrian Summer Program

Over the summer months, McDonogh offers full- and half-day equestrian programs. Click here for summer 2024 opportunities.

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 2024 Program: August 19-22 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Interested applicants who can show documentation from a medical or mental health professional of an applicable diagnosis should submit their application no later than Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Applicants accepted into the program will be notified by Saturday, June 1. There are no application fees, and the program is free.

Applicants do not need to be current participants in McDonogh’s equestrian camps or lessons. If you have questions about the application process, please email Steve Birdsall at sbirdsall@mcdonogh.org.