Ian McCartney was recently named Director of Equestrian Programs at The Madeira School, a girls’ boarding and day school with an esteemed equestrian program, located in McLean, Virginia. McCartney comes to Madeira with a broad range of experience and knowledge as a professional equestrian. Most recently, he was an instructor of riding and the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) coach at Sweet Briar College.
During his three years at Sweet Briar College, riders under McCartney’s instruction won numerous regional and zone championships and earned ribbons at the IHSA National Championships. Prior to moving to Virginia, McCartney spent 12 years as a professional trainer in New York’s lower Hudson Valley where he ran several successful equestrian facilities focused on providing top quality horse care and excellent training and instruction. His students and horses have won championships at major United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) A-rated horse shows, including Old Salem, Ox Ridge, Fairfield and HITS.
McCartney looks to build upon The Madeira School’s successful equestrian program – an 80-year tradition of consistent, sound teaching and adherence to the highest standard of excellence. “I want this program to be the benchmark for horse care and riding” McCartney stated. “Our goal at Madeira is to produce not just great riders, but most importantly, compassionate horse-women who will leave their mark on a sport in which they are passionately involved.”
McCartney is known for his patient, positive approach to teaching and training. “I believe in developing confidence and self-reliance in my students” McCartney explained. “I also wish for my riders to be compassionate and thoughtful people, to have empathy for both people and horses.”
McCartney will provide quality, professional instruction for riders of all levels based on the American System of Forward Riding. This system of riding and schooling puts the welfare of the horse first while progressively training riders and horses of all levels to achieve their full potential by developing close cooperation between horse and rider.
He and his wife, Gabriela, moved to The Madeira School campus in early August with their two dogs, Lola and Lil’ Brother.
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About The Madeira School:
Founded in 1906, Madeira is a girls’ boarding and day school, grades 9–12, located 12 miles outside Washington, D.C. in McLean, Virginia. Designed for girls who are bright, curious, and independent, Madeira is committed to providing an exemplary college preparatory education with a global emphasis and a unique Co-Curriculum program offering off-campus Washington, D.C. and Capitol Hill internship opportunities for every student. Find out more about The Madeira School at www.madeira.org.
About The Madeira School Equestrian Program:
The equestrian program is an important part of the athletic curriculum at Madeira. Designed to challenge both the beginner and the experienced rider, the goal of the program is to develop self-assured and disciplined riders capable of participating in a wide range of equestrian activities. Instructors are committed to assisting each rider develop her talents and skills and achieve a sense of individual accomplishment.
Madeira fields a varsity and junior varsity riding team and competes in several interscholastic show series including the Tri-State Equitation League, the National Interscholastic Equestrian Association. Riders of all levels are encouraged to try out for the team. Several in-house shows and special events are held throughout the year. Riders may also compete on privately owned or school-owned horses at local and rated shows in a variety of disciplines including hunters, jumpers, equitation, combined training and dressage.
