Equestrian program
As the only student-run barn and collegiate horse program in the U.S., Earlham’s equestrian program provides a wealth of opportunities for leadership and community not available at any other college or university.
The Suzanne Hoerner Jackson Equestrian Center is a state-of-the-art 25 stall-barn, just a 15 minute walk from campus. 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 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.
Students 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 (IHSA) under Coach Sheila Wilson and Jordan Wilson. Team members train weekly and participate in several shows a semester at peer institutions.
If you have any questions or comments regarding the Earlham Equestrian Program, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of the barn staff.
Barn Cooperative
Equestrian team
“There is a unique experience with the Earlham equestrian program, one filled with inclusivity at every turn. It teaches people about more than just horses and how to ride them and really builds your character. You are always learning something here from your peers of all experience levels and I wouldn’t trade that experience for the world.”
Megan Steinhiser ’24
Suzanne Hoerner Jackson Equestrian Center
Suzanne Hoerner Jackson (1928-2017) enabled the construction of our beautiful barn and arena in 1999 and remained an enthusiastic supporter of the program, attending the Friends of Earlham Stables (FOES) meetings regularly as long as she could. Her visits were eagerly awaited by students, and over the years she supported hundreds of students in their endeavors to run the Equestrian Program. Suzanne’s daughter, Sandy Jackson, has been an ardent supporter of the program and an integral FOES member for many years as well.
The Equestrian Program is extremely grateful to the Hoerner Jackson family, as well as to Sandy for her continued support and devotion to the program. Suzanne is immortalized in the naming of Earlham’s equestrian center and in the many students whose lives she touches through the program she supported and loved.
Barn
- 24 12′ x 12′ stalls
- two heated tack rooms
- maintenance room
- two heated bathrooms
- heated classroom
- heated office
- feed room
- hay room with automatic fire doors
- shavings room with automatic fire doors
Riding space
- 100′ x 200′ indoor arena, sand and recycled rubber footing
- 100′ x 200′ outdoor arena, sand and recycled rubber footing
- miles of backcampus trails
Pasture
- five 5-acre pastures with plastic Centaur fencing
- one holding pen
More information and resources
The Office of Student Life works behind the scenes to keep you safe, healthy and fulfilled throughout your journey at Earlham College. Whether you are looking for academic advice, a shoulder to lean on, or opportunities for personal and professional growth, our team is here to support you through it all.