Earlham college equestrian center offering summer riding lessons to the public

The Suzanne Hoerner Jackson Equestrian Center at Earlham College is reopening to the public and offering summer horse riding lessons for the first time.

Summer lessons—weekly sessions are available from June 1 to July 31—are part of an expanded vision for the equestrian center’s engagement with the surrounding community. 

“Earlham has a rich legacy of equestrian education and student-run barn management,” said Thea Clarkberg, an admissions counselor at Earlham and faculty adviser for the equestrian center. “We can’t wait to welcome our neighbors back to campus and share our love of horses with them.”

Lessons are $60 for two hours and available for children and adults. Flexible scheduling is available. Special discounts are given to those who sign up for all eight weeks or register more than one person for lessons. A registration link is shared below. 

“Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or new to the saddle, our program offers a fantastic opportunity to learn and bond with these magnificent animals,” Clarkberg said.

In addition to professional riding lessons, the equestrian center is partnering with Earlham Summer and Girls Inc. to provide opportunities for area students to meet and ride horses. The equestrian center team is also interested in offering more informal opportunities for the community to meet horses and tour the facility. 

Built in 1998, the College’s equestrian center is a state-of-the-art 25-stall barn and one of the only horse stables in the country run primarily by students. Operations are managed by a student barn staff, with advice from faculty advisors and a horse professional from the community. As a member of the Earlham Barn Co-operative, students care for school horses in exchange for the riding privileges, free of cost. Members take a two-credit class to learn barn management and even instruct students and community member riding lessons.

Earlham students can board their horses or use the school horses that Earlham leases from barns in the surrounding community during the school months.

Earlham sponsors a hunt seat equestrian team in the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association under Coach  Jordan Wilson. Team members train weekly and participate in several shows a semester at peer institutions.

Earlham also offers a unique equestrian management minor, which recognizes the significant work students do as part of their training and leadership managing Earlham’s barn and stables and teaching the program’s curriculum. Registration for summer riding lessons is available online here. For more information about summer riding lessons or community partnerships with the equestrian center, contact Clarkberg at (765) 983-1595 or [email protected]