Equestrian Program
The George School Equestrian Program offers community lessons year round and a summer day camp, both open to the public. Our qualified instructors teach skills in the balanced seat of hunt seat, jumping, dressage, and combined training to the members of the community at large as well as to George School students.
Located on George School’s south campus, facilities include two 100’ by 200’ outdoor all-surface riding arenas and a barn with 21 box stalls, a heated tack room, wash stall, and washroom.
Community Lesson Program Equestrian Summer Day Camp Policies and Guidelines for Good and Safe Horsemanship Staff Credentials Contact Information Community Lesson Program George School teaches a basic balanced seat, which combines elements of dressage, hunt seat, and jumping. This creates a functional riding ability, which provides a base to build on with further education in any discipline. Balance seat teaches the rider body awareness and relaxation so the rider and the horse become a team.
George School has horses for various levels, from beginner to advanced. All of our horses have positive dispositions and provide challenges befitting each level.
Lessons Group (three or more students) $25/hour
Semi-private (two students) $30/hour
Private $25/half hour
Board Full board* $356/month
Self care* $295/month
Lesson board† $225/month
Training board‡ $460/month
All based on availability
*Available to George School students only.
†Available if your horse is deemed appropriate for our lesson program and is used in our program by other riders.
‡This fee includes training of your horse by our director.
Payment Payment is due at time of lesson. Personal checks are the preferred form of payment. Cash is also accepted.
Cancellation Policy The lesson must be canceled or rescheduled 24 hours in advance. Failure to notify the barn will result in full charge for the missed lesson.
RETURN TO TOP Equestrian
Summer Day Camp COME AND ENJOY!
Spend your summer days riding on the beautiful 240-acre George School campus. Learn how to improve your riding and horsemanship skills. We have horses available for beginner to advanced levels. For safety reasons beginner and advanced students have their own separate programs.
Our camp includes flatwork, jumping, trail riding, and a weekly show. We have certified instructors. We emphasize safety and riding enjoyment for campers aged 8 to 16!
Every Thursday we take a trip to Fox Heath to participate in their Thursday morning horse show. To enter the Fox Heath show, enclose an extra $65. Entering is optional, but everyone goes to learn what a show is about.
Every Friday afternoon we hold a George School horse show.
We offer a hot buffet lunch in the George School dining room. This includes a deli bar, hot bar, salad bar, and hot dogs and hamburgers, on each day. On Thursday, George School packs lunches for campers to take to Fox Heath and also offers to buy hot dogs at the show.
Schedule Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
June 16-20
June 23-27
June 30-July 3*
July 7-11
July 14-18
July 21-25
July 28-August 1
August 4-8
*No camp on Friday, July 4. Gift certificates will be issued and may be used throughout the year for lessons.
Campers are welcome for any number of weeks.
You may come for one week or all eight weeks.
Daily Schedule 9:00 to 9:05 a.m. Drop off
9:05 to 9:25 a.m. Saddle up time
9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Riding lesson
11:00 a.m. to noon Lunch
Noon to 1:00 p.m. Horsemanship and games
1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Free swim or fun riding lesson (depending on temperature)
2:30 to 3:00 p.m. Cool off and depart
Special Thursday Schedule Every Thursday morning, we travel to the Fox Heath horse show.
Special Friday Schedule On Friday afternoon from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. we hold a George School horse show for all camp participants. Ribbons will be awarded to everyone. Family and friends welcome!
What to Bring for Camp - Long pants or jeans for riding and a change of clothes
- Swimsuit and towel
- Hard sole shoes or boots, must have a slight heel (no sneakers for riding)
- Snacks and beverages
Riding helmets are supplied by the camp. Registration Information Please fill out and return the
registration form.
Rate: $295 per week
- Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- We limit participation to ten campers per week.
- If you are reserving your spot, please send your $50 non-refundable deposit as soon as possible. This amount will be credited toward the full amount of $295.
- If you are sending the full amount of $295 per week, it is due no later than June 1, 2008. The $50 non-refundable deposit is included in this fee.
- A waiting list is set for each week. If you wish to be on our waiting list, your $295 check will be held until the week you desire. If no positions are available your check will be returned after the Monday of that week.
- No refunds after June 1, 2008.
- Gift certificates will be available for missed days due to illness or holiday.
- A $65 optional fee may be added for each week your child enters the Fox Heath Horse Show as a competitor.
RETURN TO TOP Policies and Guidelines for Good and Safe Horsemanship - No one, except barn employees, are permitted in the barn unless the management staff is present.
- Be considerate of people and animals.
- Clean up after yourself and others by putting tools and equipment back in their proper storage areas.
- No running or yelling in the barn or around horses.
- Ask barn management staff before feeding horses.
- When the board is across the barn door, DO NOT ENTER.
- After riding, groom your horse so it is clean and free of sweat marks.
- When you are finished with your tack, clean it and treat it with conditioner.
- When your horse relieves itself in the barn area, clean it up as soon as possible.
RETURN TO TOP Staff Credentials Bonnie Takakjy Bonnie Takakjy, our director, started riding at the age of three. At eight she started showing hunt seat at the local shows. Bonnie also competed in the Appaloosa Circuit where she qualified for the world competition in the four foot jumpers.
In 1993 Bonnie went to Southern Virginia College where she majored in equine management.
In 1996 Bonnie joined our staff as barn manager and in 1998 became the director. She teaches the George School students the art of riding and combined training.
Colleen Homsack Colleen Homsack is our barn manager and community lesson instructor. She has been teaching balanced seat for over ten years.
Colleen went to Wilson College from 1993 to 1997 where she majored in equine and equestrian studies. Colleen also has experience in driving and drill teams. Colleen joined our staff in 1999. She teaches community lessons to riders of all levels and ages.
RETURN TO TOP Contact Information George School
Bonnie Takakjy, Director
PO Box 4287
Newtown, PA 18940
Tel: 215-579-6710
Fax: 215-579-6604
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