Horsemanship Program

The College of St. Benedict’s Horsemanship Program began in 1972 with 10 horses. The instructor, Miss Muriel Hallout offered the courses: An Introduction to Basic English Horsemanship and Basic English Horsemanship. A course in Western horsemanship began after the construction of 2 paddocks, an indoor and outdoor arena, stalls and a hunting field. These facilities allowed for an annual horse show. The facilities and the animals were care for by student workers. Students who owned horses were allowed to board their horse during the school year.

The Horsemanship Program made the College of St. Benedict very distinct and encouraged many students to attend the College because of it. In a 1982 survey, it showed that 1/3 of the students were influenced by this program in their college choice.

The program was to close after the 1981-1982 school year due to cuts made in government aid. It was also the least academic program offered and was one of the more costly departments. The students who were enticed by the program were also not as prevalent.

The last horse show was held on May 15, 1982 with a display of 23 horses and riders.

Special thanks to Sara Trent '08 for drafting this text.