   Clearly Skidmore is a horse-loving school. Our mascot is a Thoroughbred; girls walk around in a version of either riding pants and tall boots or jeans with half chaps; we have equine members of Campus Safety; and a Polo pony traditionally comes to the Club Fair every semester. Perhaps what you didn’t know, however, was how easy it is to learn to ride at Skidmore. Have you always loved horses but were too afraid to check out the riding program here for fear it was not for beginners? Have you tried to have a conversation with your riding friends but have no idea what “WEF,” “Beval’s” or “Tailored Sportsman” are? Are you confused how their new horse could be “green”? I have good news for you…you can learn how to ride AND decipher equine lingo by enrolling in Skidmore’s equestrian program.
Right: Emma Weinstein ’13 (the author herself!)
   Every semester between 85 and 95 students participate in Skidmore’s riding program. For everyone out there who has secretly been dying to learn how to ride, you are not alone!  Think riding is just for girls? Wrong. Every term there are 5 to 10 men enrolled in the lesson program, and most are in intro classes. So guys, here’s your chance to learn how to ride and make some new female acquaintances.
   We are incredibly lucky to have such a phenomenal riding program and our own barn so close to school (only a five-minute free Saratoga Taxi ride away). The school owns a wonderful array of horses for all skill levels and the care and attention given to boarders’ horses is also excellent. The barn boasts 30+ horses, a large indoor heated ring, three grooming stalls, two wash stalls, a large outdoor ring, and three outdoor paddocks. All of the instructors are knowledgeable, friendly, and always available for help. Additionally, we have the number one riding team in the entire country, so clearly Skidmore is doing something right. So be sure to check out the riding program during your time at Skidmore or go cheer on the Riding Team during one of their IHSA horseshows. Skidmore’s riding program is a treasure not to be missed.