New Hall School is delighted to announce the appointment of Miss Rebecca Kennedy as its new Head of Equestrian. Miss Kennedy will play a key role in further advancing New Hall’s Equestrian provision.

Originally from the Isle of Arran on the west coast of Scotland, Miss Kennedy began riding at the age of six at her local riding school. She holds an Honours degree in Equine Business Management and is a qualified British Horse Society Coach. Prior to joining New Hall, Miss Kennedy was Head of Equestrian at the renowned Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, where she managed a 30-horse equestrian centre and led a team of 13 coaches and grooms.

In May 2025, New Hall opened its Learn-to-Ride Centre, a facility that blends centuries of equestrian tradition with innovative technology. The centre features an outdoor arena, new stables and two state-of-the-art Racewood simulators. These simulators, already in regular use, enable students to train year-round, using advanced biometric feedback to refine technique and enhance performance.

Mr Holden, Vice Principal, said: “We are delighted to welcome Miss Kennedy to New Hall, as she builds on our long tradition of equestrian success.  With our Learn-to-Ride Centre, we are able to support every rider, from beginner to national competitor. Investment in our equestrian provision reflects our commitment to a broad and balanced curriculum and co-curriculum, with a special focus on outdoor learning.”

Miss Kennedy, Head of Equestrian, said: “I am excited about developing the Learn-to-Ride Centre’s offering for students. New Hall has a strong equestrian heritage, and I am looking forward to working with students and staff to build on this, while expanding opportunities for riders at every level.”

New Hall boasts a vibrant and successful Equestrian Team that competes in a range of disciplines at National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) competitions, including a thriving grass roots team. The School also offers the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sport, a vocational qualification in which students can offer riding for one of the performance elements.

The School has a rich equestrian history, including a Royal Visit by HRH Princess Anne in 1979, and national-level success dating back to the 1970s and 1980s. Notable alumni include Dr Veronica Lac, founder of The HERD Institute and a practitioner in equine-facilitated psychotherapy, who recently returned to New Hall to share her inspiring journey of combining her lifelong passion for horses with a distinguished career in psychology. The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) regularly attended New Hall, bringing people with disabilities for therapeutic walks with horses, supported by trained staff and New Hall riders. New Hall has a long tradition of charity support for RDA.

Looking ahead, New Hall is developing New Hall Park Farm, a 70-acre site in nearby Little Baddow. Currently undergoing refurbishment, the site will offer expanded opportunities for student riders, including livery services, advanced riding camps and specialised training programmes.

New Hall School’s next Open Day, taking place on 2 May 2026, will include guided tours of the Learn-to-Ride Centre and the chance to meet the School’s coaching team and student riders.