International Riding Academy

A few weeks after visiting AOA, I visited the International Riding Academy in Hilton Head, South Carolina. It was awesome! The first day my mom, dad, and I met with Hilton Head Prep, the school that works with iRiding students. They were very willing to help with absences for riding and it was a really great school. Afterwards, we went to lunch with som people from iRiding which was fun.

After lunch, all of us headed over to the barn. The facilities are incredible! I got a tour of the property then got ready to ride. I participated in the lessons with the other iRiding girls, who were all very nice and welcoming. Sandra (Sam) McCarthy is the trainer. She is absolutely hilarious and very nice. She taught me a lot in the short time I was there. While I was there, I was able to ride their ponies and horses who were all very talented. They were fun to ride and I really enjoyed being there. All the riders there ride in two lessons a day, one flatwork and another jumping. They ride at least two horses a day. A full time riding program schedule is here.  The academy participates in local horse shows, 'A' and 'AA' shows, along with the IEA shows. 

The second day I was there, I went to Hilton Head Prep again to go to some classes with an iRiding student. All the teachers were very nice and helpful and I really enjoyed the school. After that, my parents and I toured the housing. The housing is also very nice and I think it is cool how you get to live with other golf academy students. That afternoon I headed back to the barn and got to ride again, which of course, was the best part! Students can take a horse of their own or lease during the year, but it's required to have your own personal horse. 

Overall, I really liked the International Riding Academy, and I think if you are considering boarding school, you should most definitely consider going there. 

~Sarah

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