Riding Programs - Garrison Forest School, Inc.
Source: http://www.gfs.org/riding-polo/riding-programs
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:13
Riding Programs - Garrison Forest School, Inc.
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Riding Programs
Take the reins and discover how far you can go.
For over 100 years, GFS riders have been learning self-confidence, improving their skills, having fun, and making friends through our nationally recognized equestrian programs. The program offers seamless transition from beginner to advanced levels through small classes taught by caring, experienced faculty and an extended community of riders. Our riding program is based on Hunter Seat Equitation and includes Equitation and Hunters and Jumpers. GFS riders become self-sufficient and do all of their own tacking up, grooming, and preparation for competition and daily riding.
Riders have the opportunity to be considered for the GFS Equitation Team once they are in 6th Grade. Team members are part of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) and compete nationally. Our Upper and Middle School riders have earned national recognition by bringing home multiple wins from the IEA National Finals.
Beginning in grade 6, students may join the Garrison Forest
Equestrian Institute
, an in-depth equestrian program uniquely customized for top riders.
Recreational Riding
Full Lease/Ownership Package
Horse Shows & Events
Important Forms
The Recreational Riding program is for students Kindergarten through 12 Grade. Designed to properly start the beginning rider, the Recreational Riding program includes lessons focusing on skill development and basic horse care, including grooming and tacking-up. Mounted and unmounted training develops a thorough base of equestrian knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as competitive edge. For continued safety and individual success of each rider, class size is limited and enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants may compete in GFS sponsored events, where appropriate.
Costs for Upper School, Middle School and Lower School (effective September 1st):
$750 (once/week) $1,400 (twice/week) $1,950 (three times/week)
All recreational riders may choose to ride 1-3 times/week. Upper School students who ride 3 times/week may receive Physical Education credit. Costs are based on the number of lessons per week during a season/trimester (a season is fall, winter or spring).
Lower School students ride during their already-scheduled Physical Education period. Riders may be allowed to participate in after school lessons depending on scheduling and availability and the rider's skill level. Lower School riders who are interested in riding after school in addition to a weekly P.E. lesson should contact
allisonmiller@gfs.org
Apparel and Equipment Needed: All Recreational riders must be dressed in long pants, preferably jodhpurs, boots with a heel and have an appropriate (ASTM-approved) helmet.
Questions?
Contact GFS Stables at (410) 559-3450 or
riding@gfs.org
.
The Full-Lease/Ownership Package is designed for the rider who is seeking the ultimate equestrian experience—the freedom to ride as desired and a horse meeting specific criteria. This package includes board, staff care and the Competition program, plus identification and acquisition of the ideal horse for the rider, all-encompassing development of horsemanship and bond between rider and horse, and exclusive access to the horse (within barn hours).
Clients are required to use GFS vendors (vet, farrier, etc.), to be scheduled by the GFS barn manager and billed separately. Riders must read, sign and return GFS Stables Boarding Contract.
Upper School, Middle School and Lower School Cost (effective September 1st):
GFS Family: $1,850/month with a six-month minimum commitment
Non-GFS Family: $2,000/month with a six-month minimum commitment
Includes:
3 lessons per week (schedule set by GFS staff with flexibility offered in summer months) plus one training ride by GFS staff.
Lessons are scheduled Monday – Friday, 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM during the school year.
Board of horse
Staff labor and care (turn-out, feeding, blanketing, stall cleaning and maintenance)
Billed monthly for the upcoming month
Lease and/or acquisition fees not included
Additional charges may include horse transportation, student transportation, lodging, boarding of horse and show entry fees.
Coaching fees will be charged for all competitions.
Apparel and Equipment Needed:
In addition to riding clothes, helmet, boots and grooming equipment, riders are expected to have show clothes and all tack and equipment for their animal.
Missed Lesson Policy
Missed lessons must be made up within the calendar month or may be substituted for an additional training ride with 24 hours’ notice.
Questions?
Contact GFS Stables at (410) 559-3450 or
riding@gfs.org
.
Garrison Forest hosts several shows annually at the school’s collegiate-level D. & J. Smith Equestrian Center. Nearly every weekend GFS takes riders to a competition, including:
United State Equestrian Federation competitions
MHSA, VHSA and “A” shows
HITS shows Series in Florida, Chicago and Virginia
Washington International Horse Show
Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) shows
Gittings Finals
Baltimore County Horse Show Association series
Harford County Horse Shows
Participating in local and/or away horse shows incur additional costs, listed below. (Prices are subject to change):
Local and/or Away Horse Show Fees
Coaching at Shows: $85/day (rate will increase if less than 3 students attending show)
Daily Care/Grooming: $70/day for rated show; $40/day for local show. GFS groom assists in tacking and taking care of animal or GFS groom for full care at $150/day (includes load, unload, tack up, take home, etc.) for rated shows and $100/day for local shows
Trainer per diem: To be split among participating clientele
Tack and Feed Stall: To be split among participating clientele
Medications: Billed per show
Showing of Horse: $75/day at rated shows; $50/day at local shows
Tack and Feed Room: To be split among participating clientele
Other fees may include trainer/coach travel and lodging Vanning: dependent on location
Entries: dependent on the show
Riding Program Rates
Riding Program Agreement
Riding Program Policies
For information regarding riding programs, please contact:
Rick Harris
Director of Riding
(410) 559-3450 |
rickharris@gfs.org
Taylor Herzog
Assistant Director of Riding
(410) 559-3452 |
taylorherzog@gfs.org
Skip To Main Content
Riding Programs
Take the reins and discover how far you can go.
For over 100 years, GFS riders have been learning self-confidence, improving their skills, having fun, and making friends through our nationally recognized equestrian programs. The program offers seamless transition from beginner to advanced levels through small classes taught by caring, experienced faculty and an extended community of riders. Our riding program is based on Hunter Seat Equitation and includes Equitation and Hunters and Jumpers. GFS riders become self-sufficient and do all of their own tacking up, grooming, and preparation for competition and daily riding.
Riders have the opportunity to be considered for the GFS Equitation Team once they are in 6th Grade. Team members are part of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) and compete nationally. Our Upper and Middle School riders have earned national recognition by bringing home multiple wins from the IEA National Finals.
Beginning in grade 6, students may join the Garrison Forest
Equestrian Institute
, an in-depth equestrian program uniquely customized for top riders.
Recreational Riding
Full Lease/Ownership Package
Horse Shows & Events
Important Forms
The Recreational Riding program is for students Kindergarten through 12 Grade. Designed to properly start the beginning rider, the Recreational Riding program includes lessons focusing on skill development and basic horse care, including grooming and tacking-up. Mounted and unmounted training develops a thorough base of equestrian knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as competitive edge. For continued safety and individual success of each rider, class size is limited and enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants may compete in GFS sponsored events, where appropriate.
Costs for Upper School, Middle School and Lower School (effective September 1st):
$750 (once/week) $1,400 (twice/week) $1,950 (three times/week)
All recreational riders may choose to ride 1-3 times/week. Upper School students who ride 3 times/week may receive Physical Education credit. Costs are based on the number of lessons per week during a season/trimester (a season is fall, winter or spring).
Lower School students ride during their already-scheduled Physical Education period. Riders may be allowed to participate in after school lessons depending on scheduling and availability and the rider's skill level. Lower School riders who are interested in riding after school in addition to a weekly P.E. lesson should contact
allisonmiller@gfs.org
Apparel and Equipment Needed: All Recreational riders must be dressed in long pants, preferably jodhpurs, boots with a heel and have an appropriate (ASTM-approved) helmet.
Questions?
Contact GFS Stables at (410) 559-3450 or
riding@gfs.org
.
The Full-Lease/Ownership Package is designed for the rider who is seeking the ultimate equestrian experience—the freedom to ride as desired and a horse meeting specific criteria. This package includes board, staff care and the Competition program, plus identification and acquisition of the ideal horse for the rider, all-encompassing development of horsemanship and bond between rider and horse, and exclusive access to the horse (within barn hours).
Clients are required to use GFS vendors (vet, farrier, etc.), to be scheduled by the GFS barn manager and billed separately. Riders must read, sign and return GFS Stables Boarding Contract.
Upper School, Middle School and Lower School Cost (effective September 1st):
GFS Family: $1,850/month with a six-month minimum commitment
Non-GFS Family: $2,000/month with a six-month minimum commitment
Includes:
3 lessons per week (schedule set by GFS staff with flexibility offered in summer months) plus one training ride by GFS staff.
Lessons are scheduled Monday – Friday, 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM during the school year.
Board of horse
Staff labor and care (turn-out, feeding, blanketing, stall cleaning and maintenance)
Billed monthly for the upcoming month
Lease and/or acquisition fees not included
Additional charges may include horse transportation, student transportation, lodging, boarding of horse and show entry fees.
Coaching fees will be charged for all competitions.
Apparel and Equipment Needed:
In addition to riding clothes, helmet, boots and grooming equipment, riders are expected to have show clothes and all tack and equipment for their animal.
Missed Lesson Policy
Missed lessons must be made up within the calendar month or may be substituted for an additional training ride with 24 hours’ notice.
Questions?
Contact GFS Stables at (410) 559-3450 or
riding@gfs.org
.
Garrison Forest hosts several shows annually at the school’s collegiate-level D. & J. Smith Equestrian Center. Nearly every weekend GFS takes riders to a competition, including:
United State Equestrian Federation competitions
MHSA, VHSA and “A” shows
HITS shows Series in Florida, Chicago and Virginia
Washington International Horse Show
Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) shows
Gittings Finals
Baltimore County Horse Show Association series
Harford County Horse Shows
Participating in local and/or away horse shows incur additional costs, listed below. (Prices are subject to change):
Local and/or Away Horse Show Fees
Coaching at Shows: $85/day (rate will increase if less than 3 students attending show)
Daily Care/Grooming: $70/day for rated show; $40/day for local show. GFS groom assists in tacking and taking care of animal or GFS groom for full care at $150/day (includes load, unload, tack up, take home, etc.) for rated shows and $100/day for local shows
Trainer per diem: To be split among participating clientele
Tack and Feed Stall: To be split among participating clientele
Medications: Billed per show
Showing of Horse: $75/day at rated shows; $50/day at local shows
Tack and Feed Room: To be split among participating clientele
Other fees may include trainer/coach travel and lodging Vanning: dependent on location
Entries: dependent on the show
Riding Program Rates
Riding Program Agreement
Riding Program Policies
For information regarding riding programs, please contact:
Rick Harris
Director of Riding
(410) 559-3450 |
rickharris@gfs.org
Taylor Herzog
Assistant Director of Riding
(410) 559-3452 |
taylorherzog@gfs.org