Academy Horsemanship

D Troop is comprised of five areas of concentration: Equitation, Parades, Show Jumping, Cavalry Skills, and Polo. Members of D Troop can choose their level of participation. Each area of concentration has its own skill level requirements.

All members of D Troop are required to participate in weekly equitation lessons and seasonal parades. The remaining elements or disciplines are voluntary. Parades fall under two seasonal time periods: Fall season consists of mounted parades held on campus and Spring parades are comprised of on and off campus parades to include the Washington D.C. Memorial Day Parade.

Cadets participating in the Cavalry Skills Team are required to attend weekly sessions focusing on honing their skills of riding at high speeds and mastering the use of traditional weaponry such as the Saber and the Lance. Students participating in this discipline are required to participate in public demonstrations and competitions.

The Show Jumping Team is comprised of the intermediate and advanced skill level equitation riders. Riders participate in weekly team practices and compete in monthly horse shows against their peers as well as members of the general public. Horse show competitions are generally held between September and April with a series end awards banquet in May.

The Polo Team competes in Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Arena Polo. Team members are comprised of intermediate and advanced skill level equitation riders. Team practices are held three days per week with 2-3 games per month. Team members also participate in special clinics and tournaments. Members of the Polo Team also compete against the general public during Friday Night Chukkers from 7-10 pm on Fridays during the winter season.

EQUESTRIAN STAFF MEMBERS:

Director of Horsemanship:

Captain Nicholas P. Caputo III leads the Horsemanship Program at VFMA&C. CPT Caputo began his military career with the US ARMY at FT Jackson, S.C. and was commissioned through Officer Candidate School. CPT Caputo is branched Aviation and currently serves in the Delaware National Guard as a Forward Support Medevac Team Leader and Medevac Pilot.

CPT Caputo earned his B.S. in Equestrian Studies from Centenary College in Hackettstown, N.J. Prior to teaching at VFMA&C, CPT Caputo coached the Lynchburg College IHSA equestrian team. CPT Caputo has revitalized the Jumper and Equitation programs as well as the Cavalry Skills Team. In addition to coaching VFMA&C cadets, CPT Caputo also serves as an advisor and instructor for the First City Troop of Philadelphia.

CPT Caputo can be reached at 610-989-1502 ext 1.

Stable Manager:

Mr. Louis Taylor manages the stables at VFMA&C. Mr. Taylor’s experience in the horse industry stems from a Thoroughbred racing and breeding background. Mr. Taylor oversees all stable operations to include stable management, inventory, veterinary and farrier operations, maintenance, polo and horse show management, and supervision of the VFMA&C work study program.

Polo Coach:

Mr Don Aikens is the polo coach at VFMA&C. Mr. Aikens has over 20 years experience in the horse industry, specifically in Polo. In addition to coaching the VFMA&C interscholastic and intercollegiate polo teams, Mr. Aikens is also a licensed official with the United States Polo Association. Mr. Aikens is also the owner and operator of Cow Town Polo where he also serves as an advisor and coach for the Work to Ride program of Philadelphia.