New Hall School in Chelmsford has appointed Rebecca Kennedy to head up its equestrian activities
New Hall School in Chelmsford has appointed Rebecca Kennedy as its Head of Equestrian. Last May, the school opened a Learn-to-Ride centre, including two Racewood simulators, arena and stables. Originally from the Isle of Arran, Rebecca Kennedy is a British Horse Society Coach and was previously Head of Equestrian at Gleneagles.
Rebecca Kennedy began riding at the age of six at her local riding school. She has a degree in Equine Business Management and is a qualified British Horse Society Coach. Prior to joining New Hall, she led equestrian activities at Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, managing a 30-horse equestrian centre with a team of 13 coaches and grooms. “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,” she says.
At New Hall, she will be in charge of a facility that 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 biometric feedback to refine technique and enhance performance. New Hall fields an Equestrian Team that competes in a range of disciplines at National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) competitions. The School also offers the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sport, a vocational qualification in which students can include riding for one of the performance elements.
The School has a rich equestrian history, with national-level success dating back to the 1970s. Notable alumni include Dr Veronica Lac, founder of The HERD Institute. New Hall has a long tradition of charity support for The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). The school is developing New Hall Park Farm, a 70-acre site in nearby Little Baddow, in order to offer offer expanded opportunities for student riders, including livery services, advanced riding camps and specialised training programmes.
“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,” says New Hall Vice Principal Vincent Holden.
New Hall School’s next Open Day, taking place on 2 May 2026, will include guided tours of the Learn-to-Ride Centre and opportunities to meet the coaching team and student riders.
New Hall School newhallschool.co.uk
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