Riding Program

Mount Holyoke’s liberal arts curriculum seeks to develop in each student an awareness and understanding of the need for physical activity. Riding is one of the many offerings in the Department of Physical Education and Athletics. Classes meet twice weekly to earn two physical education units toward the six required for graduation.

A physically demanding discipline, riding offers numerous benefits. Among them are improvement in balance, coordination, and a sense of rhythm. Emotional gains are found in increased self-awareness, self-confidence, self-discipline, mental acuity, and persistence in the pursuit of excellence. The challenge of working in partnership with the horse toward a high level of performance involves infinite patience, and the end result can be wonderfully rewarding. At the Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center we focus on developing not only outstanding riders but also informed, caring horsewomen.