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Original poster

Equestrian Boarding School Reviews

21 replies

equestrian101 · 15/04/2022 01:34

I'm after reviews from people that currently have their child/children in private equestrian boarding schools. What do you love and hate? Which schools have the best amount of additional competition opportunities (where the school takes them to compete) etc. Yes we are there for the academics as well but riding is her passion and for now we want to accommodate that to the best of our abilities.

Our daughter is highly competitive and academic as well.

We are an international family looking at a UK move and just looking to see what is out there to get our research started.

OP posts:
Netaporter · 15/04/2022 04:12

I think Felsted School offers this option but not sure? It’s a co-ed school. A friend’s daughter attends Mayfield (girl’s school) for this reason and her daughter is super happy there. Hope that helps!

TizerorFizz · 15/04/2022 08:10

@equestrian101
Is she bringing her horses with her?

TizerorFizz · 15/04/2022 08:21

Heathfield School Ascot has a growing equestrian team. DD was there. It’s a very small school but very friendly. The other equestrian school is Millfield in Somerset. It’s a very large school but it has fantastic equestrian facilities. You probably won’t get better. Neither school is hugely academic and don’t select on ability. That doesn’t prevent some DC being bright but these schools don’t feature at the top of the league tables.

BookwormButNoTime · 15/04/2022 09:49

Stonar School has an extremely impressive equestrian programme and is my first thought. Horses are on site and you can take your own if you desire.

It’s not known for being a highly academic school but bright children do extremely well there. I know someone who used to work there and they sing it’s praises.

Original poster
equestrian101 · 15/04/2022 09:59

We are currently looking at export costs for our horse or we are prepared to purchase again.

OP posts:
Lonecatwithkitten · 15/04/2022 12:44

My DD was at a day school that facilitate girls competing in many sports internationally to do so. Often easier than a boarding school for competing,
There was an British Junior Showjumper two years above my DD.

TizerorFizz · 15/04/2022 14:24

@Lonecatwithkitten
Can a child from abroad feasibly go to a day school?

piisnot3 · 15/04/2022 14:40

Opinions on Equestrian schools are mixed. Some say they offer a stable environment but others say the preponderance of long faces is a concern.

Onceuponatimethen · 15/04/2022 14:46

@piisnot3 they have the pupils on a tight rein but really put them through their paces.

chisanunian · 15/04/2022 14:47

[quote TizerorFizz]@Lonecatwithkitten
Can a child from abroad feasibly go to a day school?[/quote]
It says in the OP that they are looking at moving to the UK.

MissDollyMix · 15/04/2022 14:49

This is something I’ve been looking into too but I’m put off by the drug culture at some U.K. boarding schools.

Words · 15/04/2022 14:58

I think the mane thing is to canter through all the options - there's a fetlock of bits to consider, not that I am neigh-saying the idea...

Lonecatwithkitten · 15/04/2022 15:03

[quote TizerorFizz]@Lonecatwithkitten
Can a child from abroad feasibly go to a day school?[/quote]
The OP said the family are relocating.

TizerorFizz · 15/04/2022 15:07

@MissDollyMix
Are you serious? And day school DC never take drugs of course! Or did you mean drugs for the horses?

TizerorFizz · 15/04/2022 15:08

I thought the horse would be shipped over. So unsure if that’s relocating!

wetotter · 15/04/2022 15:27

Which equestrian discipline does she want to compete in?

Here's a list of schools with active polo teams

www.supa.org.uk/senior-schools/

piisnot3 · 15/04/2022 18:09

vegetarians may be happy with the dietary options on offer, but for others this can be the last straw.

Theyweretheworstoftimes · 15/04/2022 18:13

Millfield will cater for your needs. It's a good school with excellent equestrian facilities

Original poster
equestrian101 · 16/04/2022 22:54

Thanks everyone and my apologies for the late reply. I'll have a look over these schools and see where we go from here. I have heard exceptionally good things about Stonar and very mixed reviews about Millfield in the last week so I will make contact with both and see how we go. A day school won't be an option for us as our daughter will likely move ahead of time. Thank you all again for your help.

OP posts:
JaffavsCookie · 20/04/2022 11:51

OP, individual successes from any of the schools tend to be more about how well mounted the kids are by their parents.
In terms of equestrian boarding schools that consistently perform very well at the NSEA championships ( the major showpiece event for equestrian competitions for schools across the UK) the 2 that come up year after year with placings across the levels are Mayfield and Cranleigh.
Millfield ( to my recollection) didn’t figure in the top 5 schools in any of the very numerous team classes there last year ( may have been some individual placings)
most of the other schools that do well there don’t have equestrian centres based at the school so I haven’t mentioned those.

JaffavsCookie · 20/04/2022 11:53

@equestrian101 sorry, forgot to tag you above

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