How Online Schools Support Equestrian Athletes

May 23, 2025

by Caroline Crosson Gilpin

For young equestrians pursuing Show Jumping, Dressage, Western Pleasure, Equitation, Hunter, or any other category of horse riding, combining competition and academic classwork can be a continual challenge. 

The passion many teenaged riders have for their horses and riding is unmatched, according to those who pursue the sport. A tremendous amount of time goes into every aspect, from selecting the right horse, tack, and riding gear–which must be up-to-date and is often customized for both human and horse–to the physical stamina and psychological hurdles of training with, and competing on, a strong, fast, and large animal. 

There are investments for boarding, training, and veterinarian care. There are intense training sessions, travel, and show competitions. There are also the mental challenges overcoming burnout, fear, and conditioning for both rider and horse. 

There are emotional highs and lows, too, when horse and human communicate well–or have difficulty–or when a rider must retire a horse as a result of age or injury, for example. There are frequent disappointments from defeats or accidents, alongside the joyous, rewarding feeling of excellence when reaching the next level, or placing or winning.  

Equestrian Athletes at Dwight Global

Adding the daily structure of a traditional school schedule on top of the many demands for equestrians seemed nearly impossible, according to Victoria Morcombe ’27, a Dwight Global Online School student based in Miami. “At my previous school, I was gone every Friday to travel and compete, and it wasn’t working, even though I had A plus grades. I missed too much school.” 

At Dwight Global, Victoria said teacher support, the strong school community, and scheduling flexibility allowed her to scale new heights in the show ring and in the classroom. Dwight Global also offers experienced, comprehensive college counseling for students beginning in Grade 9. The online school’s graduates are admitted to respected colleges and universities around the world. 

Victoria was a soccer player in elementary school, and then her family purchased a property in Florida that came with quarter horses. She started caring for the horses with her mother, and riding them. Jumping came naturally to her.  “I remember using car jacks with PVC pipes to create jumps, and also using ropes tied to trees, so I could practice. I was riding a massive horse, 17.3 hands high, and I loved it.”

Another reason Victoria loves jumping is the math involved: each timed course has a set number of jumps, and the total strides needed to complete the course is a changing variable, up to and even during the competition. 

Victoria said some students hope to compete in riding during college, but she is most focused on academics. “School is most important to me and my family, but as a Show Jumper, I think about continuing as an amateur after high school, where the possibility of competing in the Olympics is the ultimate dream,” she said. 

To help her on her path to college acceptance, Dwight Global’s support has been crucial, said Victoria, who said Dwight allows her to take multiple AP math classes, something her former school would not allow. 

Another Dwight Global equestrian, Quintessa Wolff ’27, also highlighted Dwight Global’s many benefits for competitive student riders. 

“The scheduling flexibility is incredibly helpful! In addition, the teachers are amazing to work with and are incredible in working with every individual situation I have, always open to meeting with me to go over anything I missed or anything I need extra help on,” said Tess, who lives in Texas and specializes in performance horses, competing mainly at AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) shows.

“Another benefit is the access to phenomenal tutors, which makes it so much easier when I have to miss class or am stuck on a difficult topic,” she said.

Tess, who has been riding for nine years and competing since 2021, said her father found Dwight Global after doing a tremendous amount of research into online schools, and narrowed the choices to three schools before selecting Dwight Global. 

“Apart from truly loving horses and being an incredibly competitive person, I love the opportunities that this sport has provided for me to learn and grow as a person. While I do not plan to continue professionally, I am thinking about continuing in college and riding for an NCEA D1 team. I have not yet decided to pursue that, but I am very interested in the opportunity of being on a team,” said Tess.

Explore the Benefits of Online School

For information on Dwight Global Online School, sign up for an Open House or contact the Admissions Team.