2007-08 School Year

Middle School Riding Team Wins National Title

Following a weekend of stiff competition at the International Equestrian Association National Finals, the Dana Hall Middle School Riding team left the IEA competition, as national champions (for the first time in Dana Riding history).

Competing against riders from 24 schools from all over the country, all five Dana riders that qualified for national show placed in the top 10 slots. E. Kenny ’12 placed fourth in Individual Future Intermediate Flat and second in Middle School Hosemanship Test. A. Bertelson ’13 finished fourth in Team Future Intermediate Fences and third in Team Future Intermediate Flat. A. Coreless ’13 placed third in Team Future Intermediate Flat.  S. Manoogian ’14 placed third in Team Future Beginner Flat. H. McCall ’14 was the team’s standout performer, finishing first in Team Future Novice Flat, third in Team Future Novice Fences, and eighth in Individual Future Novice.

In addition to the team win and individual finishes, Dana Hall’s horse Lucky was honored with the IEA Best Horse Award among the 92 horses in the competition.

An additional 16 riders accompanied the Middle School team to assist with Dana's 12 horses, volunteer with duties at the competition, and compete in exhibition rounds. Upper School Riding team captains L. Breen '08 and C. Lorusso '09 placed fourth and sixth respectively in the Upper School Volunteer Horsemanship Test, and M. Gordon '11 placed third in the event.

 

New Barn Complete
The construction of the Dana Hall Riding Center's new horse barn is complete. The facility opened for student use on January 22.

The new structure replaces the old stables and the middle barn that was more than 75 years old. Renovation of the space began the week of July 23. Horses were moved to the small indoor arena and housed in temporary stalls for the duration of the construction.

The new, state-of-the-art barn features 45 spacious stalls that allow all horses to be housed in one location, two heated indoor wash stalls, and a safe and clean environment for the horses.

"It will be so nice to have a barn that is on par with our program," Riding Center Director Sarah Summers said, excited about the completion of the project. "Our horses and our riders really deserve this type of facility."

The fundraising goal of the New Barn Initiative was met thanks to the work of several members of the Riding Center staff and families, the development office, and the Dana community. The generosity of the donors has made this facility a reality, with the hope that an improved barn will boost the program and attract more riders to Dana Hall School.