on a level playing field
Like our academic curriculum, our athletic program provides every child with a chance to succeed. Your student signs up to play a sport each season, choosing from a range of rigorous team and outdoor options. Leelanau offers standard competitive team sports (basketball, volleyball, soccer, and tennis), and a special outdoor recreation program called Footsteps, which includes hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, skiing, and snowboarding. Recreational and competitive equestrian training also runs year-round at nearby Northern Pines Farm.

Every day when your student steps onto the field or into the water, onto the court or into the forest, she grows her physical abilities and her character, learning about her strengths and overcoming her limitations.

Equestrian Program
Training for equestrian students at The Leelanau School takes place at Northern Pines Farm in nearby Maple City. Led by nationally-recognized hunter/jumper trainer, Melissa Hirt, riders may board their own horse or lease one of the farm's many experienced mounts.

Built in 2000 and situated on over 40 acres, Northern Pines was designed with the competitive rider in mind: 33 12 x 12 stalls with rubber mat flooring, an 80 x 200 indoor arena, heated viewing room, hot and cold wash rack, private tack room, and foaling stalls. All turnout pastures feature automatic Nelson waters along with safe and effective HorseGuard fencing. Trails adjacent to the property give both rider and horse time to reflect and relax. While at the barn, students are taught not only the finer points of their chosen discipline, but the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, and equine care--qualities at the very heart of riding.

Those riders wishing to compete have many choices. Northern Pines offers regular "schooling shows" where riders of all abilities can practice their horse show skills in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Others may choose to travel to "rated" shows, including "AA" winter series in Florida. In 2002, Leelanau students qualified for the prestigious Capitol Challenge, Pennsylvania National Horse Show, and the Washington International Horse Show, which showcase the top-ranked riders in the country.

Hunter/jumper clinics offer another dimension to the students training at Northern Pines Farm. Weekend sessions taught by renowned trainers are held on site and some students choose additional clinics such as those taught by George Morris.

At horse shows held away from the farm, students keep up with their classwork via the Internet and daily phone conversations with Leelanau faculty. In addition, adult mentors travel with the riders, offering support and an extended sense of family.

For information about Northern Pines Farm, please feel free to contact Melissa directly at 231/228-5550.

Sports Offerings:

* Indicates individual sports.