Equestrian
EQUESTRIAN SPORT
The Dean Close Foundation has a thriving and successful Equestrian Programme with riders from Year 3 to Year 13. Riders from across the Foundation schools can compete at NSEA Grass Roots, National and International level. Dean Close St John's is proud to be able to offer its existing and prospective pupils access to this extensive programme, riding for the Foundation and also the ability to access weekly riding lessons.
RIDING LESSONS
Dean Close St John's is able to offer lessons for beginner, intermediate or advanced riders. These take place at Tumpy Green Equestrian under instruction with British Horse Society qualified teachers. Lessons are available from Year 3 to Year 8. Pupils are offered weekly lessons, where they get to learn and develop their skills as well as enjoying some time with ponies and horses outside.
SHOW JUMPING, EVENTING & DRESSAGE
The Foundation actively promotes and supports those with their own horses to compete in their chosen disciplines. Individual training programmes are discussed, and competition schedules agreed. A squad training programme is now in place, bringing both senior and prep teams from across the Foundation together to train with experienced and high-level trainers. The Foundation teams have enjoyed notable success at National level, but the onus is always on the pupils enjoying their competitions and flourishing within the programme. Dean Close Foundation can now offer, for exceptionally talented riders, the ability to apply for standalone Equestrian Scholarships at 11+, 13+ and 16+.
LIVERY WITHIN THE DEAN CLOSE FOUNDATION
For pupils with their own horses, Dean Close Foundation works in partnership with Highnam Court Equine to offer competitive livery packages for our national and international student riders. Highnam Court Equine, set in the secure and picturesque grounds of Highnam Court and situated between Dean Close School and Dean Close St John's, is also one of the training grounds for both Prep and Senior Teams. There are also links with Rectory Farm, whose excellent facilities offer Dean Close Equestrian the ability to support riders from far and wide.
DEAN CLOSE INTERSCHOOLS SHOW JUMPING EVENT
Dean Close Equestrian runs an annual Interschools show jumping event in June with qualifiers for the NSEA National, Elite and Grass Roots Championships held at Rectory Farm. With schools and students coming from far and wide, it is a wonderful opportunity for students and parents of the Foundation to celebrate all things equestrian.