United States Eventing Association

Randolph-Macon College Equestrian Acquires Coventry Farm

Founded in 2015, Randolph-Macon College’s eventing program is growing by leaps and bounds—so much so that the college recently purchased Coventry Farm, which boasts 70 acres of pasture, has space for 33 horses and includes an indoor riding arena. Dana Lesesne, director of the equestrian program, says the farm offers riders a top-quality facility in a beautiful setting.

“Coventry Farm is wonderfully maintained, spacious, and located just minutes from campus,” says Lesesne. “This acquisition allows us to expand and improve our growing eventing program. We have something truly unique here in that we can offer event riders a true team experience with the full support of the college. Having this caliber facility located so close to campus, combined with having Ashley Adams here as our full-time coach is just incredible. It is rewarding to see how our riders are improving and reaching their goals under her direction.”

RMC Eventing currently has 10 members and is attracting riders from around the country. The team has been active this year, participating in the Collegiate Team Challenge in Tryon last fall and traveling to other USEA events in Area II including Southern Pines and CDCTA. Next on the calendar for the Yellow Jackets are Loudoun HT, Plantation HT and they will be finishing the semester at the USEA Intercollegiate Championship at the Virginia Horse Trials.

Adams joined the team as head coach this past fall after returning from riding and coaching for two years in Australia. She has ridden at the four-star level on her own Thoroughbred that she produced up the levels and is widely known as one of the hardest working young professionals in the sport of eventing. “RMC is offering students that want to continue to compete the network and support that one needs to make this happen. = I am thrilled to be a part of building this amazing program from the ground up,” commented Adams.

Randolph-Macon is a private, coeducational liberal arts and sciences college located 15 minutes north of Richmond in the scenic town of Ashland, Virginia. The college specializes in giving its students an “edge”. RMC integrates an outstanding liberal arts education and success strategies taught by extraordinary faculty mentors with a four year career preparation program called The Edge. Dedicated staff in The Edge Career Center, in concert with our faculty, work with students to develop a personalized Career Roadmap that provides them with a competitive advantage with their careers and when applying to graduate school.