riding at grier school
DESCRIPTION
Grier School, a girls’ college-preparatory boarding school for students in grades 7-12, offers an individualized education in academics, dance, riding, music, the visual arts, theatre, and a great variety of recreational and team sports. This booklet focuses on the riding offerings of the school.TRANSCRIPT
RIDING
at Grier
For some, it is just a sport. For others, it is a passion. At Grier, riding can be anything you want it to be. Our offerings make Grier attractive to riders of all levels.
Grier School Stables hosts multiple IEA regional and zone competitions as a result of our outstanding facilities and horses.
Indoor English Equestrian Center, built in 2007 and installed with dust-free footing in 2015
Indoor Western Arena, built in 2012 and installed with new footing in 2015
2 scenic outdoor rings
4 fields and 10 paddocks
70 stalls
3 heated tack rooms
3 wash stalls with hot and cold water
Grooming and farrier stations
Heated student lounge
Heated mezzanine with spacious seating
Staff offices
UNSURPASSED FACILITIES
Grier has attracted a highly professional instructional staff. Our Director Chrystal Coffelt-Wood is a graduate of Kutztown University and has over 25 years of experience. As a professional trainer, Chrystal is qualified to breed, break, and train horses. Some of her accomplishments include:
Multiple horses winning USEF (United States Equestrian Federation) and USDF (United States Dressage Federation) National Horse of the Year Championships
Top ribbons at the Sport Horse National Championships, Youth National Championships, Pony Finals, the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) National Finals, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, and the Devon Horse Show
Joining Chrystal as Grier School Stables trainers are:
Kerry Kocher, a USEF “R” hunter jumper judge and course designer and head coach for Penn State University’s Hunt Seat Equestrian Team
Chris McElyea, head coach for Penn State University’s Western Equestrian Team
Recreational coach Beth Whitmore, stables secretary Haley Korejwo, and barn manager Frannie King complete the team and bring an additional 40+ years of combined experience to offer our student riders.
PROFESSIONAL TRAINERS
Grier has built a stable of 50 horses—quarter horses, thoroughbreds, warm-bloods, and quality ponies. In order to accommodate all skill levels, Grier School horses range from the quietest of horses up to high level show-jumpers. In fact, our very own Foreign Affair aka Duke has had the honorable designation of “Prettiest Horse” at the storied Devon Horse Show. Grier also offers boarding for privately owned horses.
GREAT HORSES
For girls seeking competitive a riding experience, Grier offers both a Hunt-Seat and Western program with up to twenty hours of weekly instruction and rated showing opportunities nearly every weekend, both at home and away including:
USEF/USHJA “A and AA” rated shows in PA, NY, VA, MD, & OH
IEA Preseason Shows, IEA Zone Finals, IEA National Finals
Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF)-Wellington, Florida
Horse Shows in the Sun (HITS)
Pennsylvania National Horse Show (PNHS)
American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA)-Pointed Shows
COMPETITIVE SHOWING OPPORTUNITIES
The foundations of both the English and Western programs are based on classic hunt-seat equitation and western horsemanship skills. As a result of their training at Grier, varsity riders earn college scholarships based on their high school achievements. Grier School Stables offers training in:
Beginner and intermediate riders develop their skills in small classes and a safe environment. They take advantage of opportunities to compete at non-rated local shows and can easily move up to varsity status. A flexible schedule permits recreational riders to participate in additional team sports and dance at Grier. Dedicated riders can receive intensive training and ascend from beginner and novice levels to the varsity equestrian team, competing in both Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) shows and in rated shows around the country. Girls who have started as beginner recreational riders have competed and won national championship ribbons at the IEA National Championships.
Equine studies offers an academic class to enhance the knowledge base of interested equestrians at all levels. Grier Summer Camp (ages 7-17) provides the opportunity for students and horses to compete year-round.
Hunter/Jumper
Show jumping
Eventing
Dressage
Showmanship
Reining
STRONG FOUNDATIONS
[email protected] | www.grier.org | 814-684-3000