By JESSICA FARTHING
From Kindergarten all the way through college prep, Garrison Forest School prides itself on developing horsewomen of empathy, curiosity, and confidence.
The school is based on 110 acres in Owings Mills, MD, and has a co-ed daycare and preschool, and an all-girls K-12. And in their equestrian program, the school is focused on an individualized program tailored to help each girl achieve her goals, opening the door to possibilities for a future equestrian career.
Some students choose to board at the school to take advantage of all Garrison has to offer. Whether that girl is local or from one of the international destinations that send students to Garrison, the residential program is an immersive way to learn and grow.
“It’s easier for some students who are active on campus. If you’re a riding student who lives on campus, the faculty sees you all the time,” says Michelle Placek, Garrison’s director of communications.
And if you are an equestrian, you only have to leave your dorm and walk down to the barns for your lessons.
It begins early for the girls. Riding and horsemanship classes start in lower school—Kindergarten through fifth grade—scheduling a lesson a week to be exposed to horses and learn the basics of riding. After the students learn to steer independently and trot well, they progress to after-school lessons. With any part of the equestrian program, the girls are family, no matter what level they ride on the talented horses at Garrison.
“We have the best lesson horses of anyone,” says Rick Harris, Director of Riding, “They can teach beginner riders and go to rated horse shows and compete well.”
Riders are given opportunities to show at rated and local shows, and on the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) team. Almost thirty riders of all ages and abilities participate on the team.
“It’s a great group of girls. Their sportsmanship is really cool to watch,” says Taylor Herzog, Assistant Director of Riding at Garrison.
There’s no better way to see that in action than the Big Sisters/Little Sisters activities for the team. Older girls become examples to their younger counterparts, helping to polish boots and adjust stirrups before competitions. They leave good luck notes and create surprises that spread joy among their teammates.
“Last year one of our middle schoolers qualified for Nationals, and the team made a poster to hang in front of her pony’s stall so that she’d see it before she left,” says Herzog.
The Garrison Forest Equestrian Institute (EI) is the pinnacle of riding at the school, where the instructors select athletes of an appropriate experience level to compete with the team. Everyone meets to discuss the commitment and drive that it takes to participate, giving reality to the dedication and busy schedule required to be a high-level equestrian athlete.
“We go as a group to shows in the Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania area,” says Harris. “And we also spend five weeks in Ocala, competing for two weeks, having one week off and then competing another two weeks.”
The team is able to participate in such a vigorous schedule because of the flexible planning offered by teachers and administrators at Garrison.
“They have a whole team of people who are dedicated to making sure they can pursue this unique opportunity while not falling behind on their studies,” says Harris.
The students get assignments ahead of time from their teachers, who also track their progress, checking in to make sure they get help. The riding staff proctors tests if the team is away for long periods of time, allowing the athletes to stay current in their classes. The teachers also celebrate their equestrian student’s achievements at competitions.
“In other schools, that happens for more traditional sports like soccer. For equestrian students, they are sometimes not as involved. Here at Garrison, equestrian athletes are seen as important members of the school,” says Herzog.
Garrison’s riding program recently identified another need from curious students.
Notes Herzog, “Down at the barn we get a lot of questions from our equestrian athletes about what is available out there after college. We came up with an idea to have a college fair to offer collegiate opportunities.”
This serves a dual purpose for Garrison, getting the school on the radar with colleges that offer equestrian programs and allowing students to learn about those colleges. They’ll see representatives from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Washington and Lee University, Sweet Briar College, the University of Lynchburg and more. About twenty schools are signed up to attend to offer information on scholarships and every kind of equestrian path, from veterinary school to barn management. The community is excited for the event as well, and the event is open to local riders beyond those from Garrison.
The Garrison girl is prepared to have a life of purpose, she is academically challenged, and she is mentally and physically supported by caring faculty and staff. The equestrian program is a large part of this formula. Herzog recognizes the value of learning horsemanship in life, developing empathy, hard work, and goal-setting.
“It helps them excel in their equine endeavors and become the best equestrian and horsewoman they can be.”
