The Vermont Academy Equestrian program is fortunate to be able to work with nearby Southmowing Stables. 

Southmowing Stables was opened in 1972. Owner Lucile Bump purchased the farm with the dream of creating a riding facility where all ages and levels of riders could come to expand their knowledge of themselves, their horses, and their ability to communicate effectively as a team. Since that time, riders have come from around the world to study and ride at Southmowing Stables. The program features Centered Riding® training using the methods developed by Sally Swift. Students are able to learn dressage, jumping, and even vaulting on occasion. 

Vermont Academy students ride and learn from a range of talented equine professionals who are based at South Mowing. Additionally, the barn has a diverse group of horses and large ponies who help move our riders along. Located just 40 minutes from our main campus; students head to the barn most afternoons and enjoy the camaraderie of other horse people while enjoying a very scenic route to the stable. On non-barn days our team participates in yoga or trail hikes on campus. 

Students are expected to participate on multiple levels which will include bringing in their mounts from the fields, grooming their horses before and after riding, as well as tacking up their horses, and then turning them out or into their stalls with appropriate gear for weather and spaces. Finally, everyone learns how to maintain a clean and healthy barn space. We scoop poop and sweep floors clean while also making sure the tack is in good shape.

All riders must wear a helmet while mounted and have boots with an appropriate heel in order to ride. Gloves and riding breeches are highly recommended. The school can generally arrange transport to a local tack shop to help students purchase items as needed. 

This program has an extra fee and also requires a parent/guardian to sign both Southmowing and Vermont Academy release forms.