We’re all familiar with the list of famous faces who have embraced online learning, but the incredible versatility of moving to online schooling spans far beyond the media and entertainment industry, showing particular growth in the equestrian community.
For many young people with the equestrian bug, you can reliably find them covered in stray pieces of straw with a grooming kit in hand, either at the stables or in their room, religiously checking up on their favourite equestrian influencer or ordering photographs from their local show. Many parents will be familiar with the feeling of a child willing away the hours until it is time to go and muck out a fragrant stable, clean tack, drink tea and inhale the sweet smell that only equestrians can attest to. The truth is, once horses get into your system there is no going back, they become your reason for living and breathing, your exercise, social circle and everything in-between.
Online schooling in the Equestrian Community
In recent years, online schooling has transformed education across many sectors, offering students flexibility, accessibility, and personalised learning experiences. For young equestrians, especially those balancing a rigorous training schedule with academics, online schooling provides an ideal solution. In our current cohort of 240 wonderful students, we have a rather large proportion of horse riders- from happy hackers to serious competitors, all of whom are reaping the benefits of hopping between home school and riding school with complete ease. In recent months, we were delighted to strike up a partnership with The Pony Club, offering a range of benefits to their members, and we continue to explore ways to make life that much more fun for young riders.
Exploring the reasoning for our growing equestrian community has led us to compile our top reasons for joining an online school. Here, we’ll dive into the unique benefits of online school for horse riders, exploring how it supports their ambitions both in and out of the classroom.
1. Flexibility to Accommodate Training and Competitions
One of the most significant advantages of online schooling is its flexibility, which is particularly valuable for horse riders who often face nontraditional schedules. Training sessions, travel to competitions, and horse care responsibilities demand time and dedication, which can conflict with the rigid schedules of traditional schools. Online schooling allows students to set their own study hours, making it easier to balance education with equestrian commitments.
For instance, a horse rider preparing for a national competition might need to spend extra hours in the saddle, refining their skills. Online schooling gives them the freedom to move seamlessly from computer to yard, with some flexibility for our elite athletes to access our learning library if they are competing.
2. Reduced Commute Time Equals More Yard Time
Attending a traditional school often requires time spent commuting, which could otherwise be spent training or bonding with horses. In some rural or suburban areas where our equestrians reside, the journey to school can be long, cutting into valuable training or care time. Online schooling eliminates this commute, allowing equestrians to dedicate those hours to riding, grooming, and caring for their horses.
For our CHS young riders, every moment counts when it comes to developing riding skills and building a connection with their horse. More time at the stables can lead to better performance in competitions and more quality time doing what they love. Happy students equal productive learners!
3. Customisable Learning Pace
Equestrian sports require intense focus, patience, and perseverance, and the same is true for academics. With online schooling, horse riders can tailor their learning experience to match their pace and preference. If a rider is ahead in some subjects, they can work at an accelerated pace, freeing up more time for their equestrian pursuits. Alternatively, if they find certain topics challenging, our online learning library allows them to revisit lessons or spend more time on assignments where needed.
4. A Supportive Environment for Equestrian Health Needs
Horse riding is physically demanding, and like any sport, it comes with the risk of injury. Injuries or even routine physical exhaustion can sometimes make it hard to attend traditional classes. Online schooling offers a more comfortable learning environment where students can study from home or even while recovering, making it easier to stay on track academically without the pressure of attending physical classes.
Additionally, the mental strain that competitive equestrianism can place on riders is considerable. Managing stress levels, maintaining mental focus, and balancing competition-related pressure can be easier when schooling from a more controlled, flexible environment.
5. Opportunities for Focused Equestrian Development
Online schooling can and does provide networking opportunities with other equestrian students, as our community proves. Being in a learning community with like-minded peers can inspire young riders and give them a support network of friends who understand the challenges of balancing competitive sports and education.
6. Developing Independence and Time-Management Skills
Managing an online school workload while pursuing equestrian goals requires discipline, organisation, and time-management skills. These are invaluable life skills that can benefit young riders both on and off the horse. By managing their own schedules, setting priorities, and balancing responsibilities, students build resilience and responsibility—qualities that will serve them well in any future career, including professional equestrian pursuits.
Horse riders often aspire to compete internationally, become trainers, or work in equine health. These paths demand self-discipline, resilience, and strong work ethics. Online schooling can help foster these attributes early, setting students up for success in their riding careers and beyond.
7. Study in Your Jodhs!
One of the often-forgotten benefits of online schooling is the ability to work from wherever you want, wearing your own clothes and enjoying an environment created entirely by you. As long as a student has a quiet study space with good Wi-Fi connection, schooling is entirely possible from the stables, and jodhpurs and boots are entirely welcome!
The Road Ahead: Combining Online Schooling and Equestrian Excellence
For young riders, balancing the demands of schooling and equestrian pursuits can be challenging, but online schooling offers a viable, flexible path to success. By providing the freedom to train, reducing commute time, offering customisable pacing, and fostering independence, online schooling helps equestrians stay competitive both academically and athletically.
In a world where passions and education can co-exist, online schooling proves that there’s no need to choose between academic achievement and equestrian dreams. For young horse riders, it’s a solution that enables them to pursue their aspirations or simply spend more precious time with their four-legged best friend.