Post by guest person on Aug 18, 2008 16:39:57 GMT -5
Welcome to Lee Vining, California
On the eastern side of California, sitting so quietly and properly, it could belong to a fairytale dream, is a stable. Straight from a horselover's fantasy, the ancient barn of white stone and oak is nestled between two hills, with mountains in the distance, opening up to the spacious sky as if reaching for something. Students mill around the cobblestoned stableyard, and despite the activity of the estate, all is quiet from the start of the mouth of the long gravel driveway, two miles away. The sun is setting, but riders are still seen trotting through the lush green grass, past white wooden fences built maybe fifty years ago, but seemingly as strong as they were the day completed. This is Dreamside Riding School, a prestigious boarding academy for young riders. If you ever want to make it to the top, this would be a good place to start.
It started in 1852 as a small schoolhouse in a mining camp, out in the middle of nowhere, while pioneers headed west in their covered wagons. The school offered an opportunity for the young children looking for something to do. Miss Marie Hollington began the school with her husband, Mr. John Lexton, their two children being the first students in the academy. Surprisingly, the school blossomed, and even after Miss Hollington and her husband died, the school was carried on by relatives or children that had once gone to the school when they were younger. It wasn't until the 20th century that the school began to take a turn. They grew larger and became a private boarding school in 1921, beginning to be recognized for its acclaimed courses and intelligent students. It is now one of the top private boarding schools in the U.S.
Here, the competition is fierce. Horses were just recently added to the program in 1982, and since then the school has expanded even more. Students filed in for the riding program, as well as the chance for a good education. However, only exceptional riders are accepted into the school now, and the program has really become a main focus in the school's budgeting. If you come here, don't expect everyone to be so nice. After all, there is a prize to be won. At the end of every year, an award for best rider is awarded to the school's best student, and everyone is out to get it. It almost guarantees a ticket to the national show circuit. Are you out to get what's yours? Come to Dreamside Riding School, and find out if you have what it takes.
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