The Equestrian Cooperative

The Earlham College Stables are unique in that they are operated completely by Earlham Students. These students make up the Earlham Equestrian Cooperative. They are responsible for the care and maintenance of both the facility and the horses. They also teach riding lessons to the Earlham and Richmond communities each semester. To do this, the students of the equestrian cooperative must work closely with the college's administration and maintenance, as well as a group of alumni known as The Friends of the Earlham College Stables. In return for all of their hard work, the cooperative members have full riding privileges of all of the college's horses. Co-op members are also able to board their own horses at the stables and join the Earlham College Equestrian Team.

To be a member of Earlham College's Equestrian Cooperative, one must complete a year long course which qualifies one to become an instructor in the program.

The Assistant's Course: This course teaches the student how to teach riding lessons. During the first semester, the student takes one riding lesson. During the second semester, the student assists an instructor in one lesson a week. The entire year, the student attends a weekly lab where they learn basic horse care and how to teach riding lessons in an effective way. Assistants are also required to attend the Monday night meetings every week.

Being an Instructor: Once a student graduates from the assistant's course, they are qualified to teach lessons. Instructors have full use of Earlham's horses and may also bring friends to ride. Instructors are required to work twice a week. This may be divided into teaching twice a week, working from 4-6 p.m. twice a week, or a combination of the two. Instructors are also required to attend our Monday night meetings.

Monday Night Meetings: The co-op meets every Monday evening at 9pm in the Stout Meeting house to discuss the barn in full detail. Please view our minutes to get an idea of what is discussed at Monday night meeting.