Aspiring equestrians have an opportunity explore their potential in the Hunt Seat and Western disciplines during a pair of pre-college programs offered by Alfred University as part of its Summer at Alfred 2026.
Summer at Alfred University provides a wide variety of exciting activities, including arts-focused workshops and residencies, sports clinics, and engineering short courses. It offers two equestrian-focused pre-college programs designed for young riders: Recruit Western Equestrian Clinic and Recruit Hunt Seat Clinic. Both courses—offered July 5-10—are ideal for youngsters looking for experience in a collegiate equestrian program setting.
“This program is perfect for riders ages 12-16 who are serious about developing their skills and considering riding in college but are unsure about where to start or what college-level competition looks like,” the clinics description states. “Whether you’re just starting to explore the possibilities or already know you want to compete in Western or Hunt Seat riding, this program will help you take the first step.”
The Recruit Western Equestrian Clinic will be instructed by Adam D’Agostino, head coach of Alfred University’s western equestrian team and Equestrian Program director for the university. The Recruit Hunt Seat Clinic is instructed by Theresa Lounsberry, head hunt seat coach at Alfred University. Together, they’ll provide valuable insights into both disciplines, giving you the opportunity to specialize in either Western or Hunt Seat riding during the program,” according to the clinic descriptions.
D’Agostino is an experienced specialist in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) western discipline. This year, he led the Alfred University western equestrian team to the IHSA national team championship for the first time.
“Dive into the world of Western IHSA competition,” the clinic description says. “Whether you’re interested in Horsemanship, Reining, or Ranch Riding, Coach D’Agostino will teach you the techniques and mindset needed to succeed in these events at the collegiate level. Get comfortable with what it takes to shine in an IHSA Western show.”
“Our summer clinics are a great way for Saxon equestrian recruit prospects to get a strong feel for our program, ride with future teammates, and learn from our amazing horses!” D’Agostino said. “While we focus on having fun, it is the coaching staff’s goal to improve each rider’s position and their feel. The main emphasis is on collegiate riding competition, but we also incorporate education on many aspects of proper equine husbandry.”
The Recruit Hunt Seat Clinic is instructed by Theresa Lounsberry, head hunt seat coach at Alfred University. Lounsberry will “guide (participants) through the core skills needed for IHSA competition, from Equitation on the Flat to Equitation over Fences. Learn how to refine your equitation, improve your confidence in the ring, and prepare for college-level competition,” according to the clinic description.
Theresa Lounsberry, head coach of the hunt seat equestrian team at Alfred University, will instruct Recruit Hunt Seat Equestrian Clinic during Summer at Alfred 2026.
“Our program places a strong emphasis on equitation and developing the skills necessary for success in collegiate riding programs, including preparation for IHSA-style competition and catch riding,” Lounsberry commented. “In addition to riding, campers will participate in educational sessions covering a variety of horsemanship topics, including clipping, braiding, show grooming, and other essential barn management skills. These sessions are designed to help riders develop the well-rounded knowledge expected of collegiate equestrians.”
Pre-College Programs provide students the opportunity to engage in a host of immersive learning experiences. Alfred University offers more than 25 pre-college programs and sports clinics, a variety that ensures that there is something of interest for every high school student. These programs provide unique opportunities for students to explore their passions and gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities with our faculty and coaches.
Alfred University offers a $100 discount off tuition for Summer at Alfred pre-college programs for students whose primary residence is within a 50-mile radius of Alfred, NY. The discount also applies to children of Alfred University alumni and returning students from any Pre-College Program at Alfred University.
Summer at Alfred also includes Alfred Summer Arts 2026, which features Summer Arts workshops in a variety of media designed for participants of all levels—including artists, educators, visiting professionals, and community members—as well as a number of pre-college art programs. Spend a day, a week, or an entire month, immersed in hands-on experiences in Alfred University’s renowned studios and facilities working with amazing faculty from the School of Art & Design.
Specialized workshops—open to anyone over the age of 18—provide a unique opportunity to explore the landscape-inspired art. A three-week artist residency will be offered in studio facilities at Alfred University’s M.F.A. painting program in Düsseldorf, Germany. This program is open to artists with BFA/MFA degrees; and professional, emerging, and mid-career artists. Emerging and mid-career artists working in the field of painting are welcome to apply.
A 25-percent discount is offered to local residents participating in Summer Arts 2026 workshops. Other discounts available: 50 percent for K-12 teachers; 25 percent for Alfred University alumni; for Alfred University faculty/staff, 25 percent for one week of programming and 50 percent for two weeks of programming.
For more details and information on Pre-College Programs, please contact Isaac Matson, Pre-College Programs coordinator, at [email protected]. For information on Summer Arts workshops, please contact Faith Houy, administrative manager/coordinator of operations to the dean of School of Art & Design/Performing Arts Division, at [email protected].
