Wakefield School is partnering with Beverly Equestrian to offer an equestrian program and competitive school team officially beginning in fall 2013.

"Beverly Equestrian is excited to support the launch of Wakefield School's equestrian program, a wonderful addition to an already exemplary and well-rounded curriculum," said Darrin Mollett, co-owner, trainer, and barn manager at Beverly.

"Beverly's role in the program is consistent with its core principles of preserving open land for equestrian pursuits and promoting the education of horse people and riders. We couldn't be more thrilled with the confluence of education, horses, and community at the Wakefield School."

The school will compete in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association. Riders will train at Beverly Equestrian after school, with transport to and from the center provided. Competitions will take place on the weekends.

The program will require a fee to participate and participation will apply as a Physical Education credit for students.

"I am thrilled that we will be offering this program," said Brian Oliver, head of Wakefield's Upper School. "For years we have supported riders in all of the various disciplines as independent riders, but it was a logistical challenge for our families and it did not allow our student-riders to experience the camaraderie of a Wakefield interscholastic team.

"The partnership with Beverly Equestrian will allow our student-riders to have an equestrian experience that is every bit as distinctive and engaging as their academic experience."

Participating Middle and Upper School students do not need to own a horse, though some riding experience is required. Riders will train and compete at their individual talent levels. Novice levels will be available.

Wakefield will have some school horses at Beverly, which will serve as Wakefield's home barn.

The program originated with parent volunteers. Parent committees are currently fundraising, coordinating competition events, and working on equipment, budget, rules and regulations.

For more information, please contact Patty Baltazar at pbaltazar@wakefieldschool.org