A. The program is able to accommodate three levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. First, riders warm up together on the flat doing basic skills. Then, riders at each level continue at their own pace and skill level. Sometimes intermediate and advanced students stay late to have more one-on-one work.
A. Yes, FVS fields a competitive Interscholastic Equestrian Association hunter jumper team. The English riders also compete in some A-rated shows in Colorado.
The Western riding program focuses on training and education most of the year, but in the spring, more advanced riders compete in gymkhana. Western riders who wish to be involved in the FVS riding program and still pursue rodeo or other events outside of gymkhana may be allowed to do so, but only ensuring it does not interfere with the FVS programming and schedule of events. Those students who wish to not be involved in the riding program and compete must go through the independent sport process/permissions for one of the three seasons.
A. Yes. You can bring your own horse to the FVS campus in Colorado, and you have three stabling options: pasture, pen and shed, or a stall and run in the "Boarder Barn." There are different prices for each option.
A. The program is offered year round in three seasons, fall, winter and spring. You may choose to ride one season or all three. Participation in the riding program for one season fulfills the FVS physical education requirement.
A. The program meets the FVS physical education requirement at FVS. Students can participate in riding as well as another sport as long as they are able to meet the demands of both programs.
A. Like other sports at Fountain Valley School of Colorado, the Western and English Riding programs meet five times a week, riding from 3:30-5:15 p.m. Class sizes are different each season.
A. The School horses work very hard—five days a week plus Interscholastic Equestrian Association team practice on Saturday or Sunday. Unless we have horses that are not being used in the program, we let them rest on the weekend. Students may ride their own horses on the weekend with supervision.
A. Not in the traditional sense. We offer one "scholarship" per season to cover the monthly riding charge only. This is a one-time award and is most likely to go to someone in need who wants to experience the riding program.
6155 Fountain Valley School Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80911