🐴Welcome to the 2025–26 Wakefield Equestrian Sports Program! 🐴

We are thrilled to announce the details of the Wakefield Equestrian Sports Program (WESP) for the 2025–26 academic year! Now entering its 11th year, WESP continues to offer students in grades 6 through 12 a unique opportunity to develop their riding skills, compete as part of a team, and earn athletic credit—all without needing to own a horse.

🏫 Program Overview

WESP practices and competes out of Beverly Equestrian, a full-service facility located just 7 minutes from campus in The Plains, Virginia. All weekday practices include transportation from Wakefield to Beverly and take place in a safe, organized, and year-round environment featuring a heated indoor arena for winter training.

Our riders participate in competitions through the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA), which provides the horses for show days—making equestrian sports accessible regardless of horse ownership.

🐎 Who Can Join?

• Middle School (Grades 6–8) – Riders practice Tuesdays and Thursdays during the PE block (20 lessons per season). Riders who are ready may compete in 2 IEA shows per season (fall/winter).

• Upper School (Grades 9–12) – Varsity riders practice Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays after school (50 lessons total across fall and winter). These riders must compete in 5 IEA shows to qualify for varsity recognition and PE credit.

• Development Track – Riders not yet ready for group lessons can enroll in a semi-private development program. This option helps newer riders build confidence and essential skills before joining a team track.

🏅 Athletic Credit & Recognition

• Upper School Varsity Riders earn two-thirds of their PE credit and may receive a varsity letter.

• Middle School Riders earn one-third of their PE credit per season.

• All eligible riders may also qualify for national recognition through the USEF Athlete Lettering Program.

🏆 Competition Season

Our competition calendar is set by IEA Region 3 and includes five team shows from September through January. The Wakefield team also co-hosts two IEA shows each season. Additional practice and competition opportunities are available through Beverly’s VHSA/BHSA and USEF-rated shows.

💳 Program Fees

Program fees are set by Wakefield School and will be announced once finalized. They are expected to remain similar to last year’s fees. Fees include lessons, minimum show entries, coaching, grooming, and weekday transportation. Additional costs (IEA membership, show attire, snacks, etc.) are not included.

🗓️ Key Dates

• August 15 – Deadline to confirm rider participation

• August 24–30 – Optional Pre-Season Clinic ($475)

• September 3 – First day of Middle School practice

• September 4 – First day of Upper School practice

📝 Registration & Assessment

IEA requires placement assessments to classify riders correctly. These 30-minute evaluations occur during pre-season or by appointment. Riders must register with IEA at rideiea.org before the start of the season.

🔗 Additional Information

• Lessons at Beverly

• Beverly Shows

• Wakefield IEA Team Page

If you’re a returning rider, we can’t wait to welcome you back! If you’re new to the program, we look forward to introducing you to the best of both worlds—structured athletic development and equestrian tradition.

For more information, please contact Program Director Darrin Mollett at darrin@beverlyequestrian.com.

Let’s ride, Wakefield Owls! 🦉🐎