Jess Gets a New Arena
A fitting tribute to a gifted horseman and teacher
Trustees, alumni, faculty, students, and parents turned out to dedicate the brand new Jess Kahle Arena. Upper class riders Teo Davis '14, Alex Morris '14, Lachlan Nutting '14, Jamie Rush '14, Ben Connor '15, Owen Yager '15, Colin Troughton '16, and Fernando Zamora '16 kicked off the event with an impressive drill riding demonstration. Following that, remarks were shared by Cam Schryver, director of the Horse Program, Bruce Oxley, former director of the Horse Program, Thacher trustee Sarah Lavender Smith CdeP 1986, and Head of School Michael Mulligan.
Jess Kahle, director of the Horse Program from 1948-1972, was known for a quiet and gentle manner that earned him the respect of both horses and humans. Sarah Lavender Smith recalled that he could remember the name of every horse he ever met, and that he had a way of magically appearing at just the right moment to help coach horse and student to do better.
"I just remember how patient and encouraging Jess was," Sarah said, "and how peaceful those lessons felt. And he always had this phrase: 'there now, that’s the way.' And I just think that The Thacher School is so fortunate that Jess made his way from Oklahoma to Ojai."
In his comments, Michael Mulligan noted the apt proximity of the Huyler-Myers Friendship Barn to the new Jess Kahle Arena. "It is so great that old Jess Kahle and old Jack Huyler, these two guys who kept this program, are side by side here at The Thacher School, with the Friendship Barn looking down on the Jess Kahle Arena for years and years to come. And this is what I say folks, we’re all here for a short time, but let’s protect this Horse Program forever."
Now, thanks to the vision and generosity of so many who hold fond memories of Jesse Kahle along with a shared commitment to Thacher's Horse Program, this new facility will extend Jess's legacy at Thacher.
Jess Kahle, director of the Horse Program from 1948-1972, was known for a quiet and gentle manner that earned him the respect of both horses and humans. Sarah Lavender Smith recalled that he could remember the name of every horse he ever met, and that he had a way of magically appearing at just the right moment to help coach horse and student to do better.
"I just remember how patient and encouraging Jess was," Sarah said, "and how peaceful those lessons felt. And he always had this phrase: 'there now, that’s the way.' And I just think that The Thacher School is so fortunate that Jess made his way from Oklahoma to Ojai."
In his comments, Michael Mulligan noted the apt proximity of the Huyler-Myers Friendship Barn to the new Jess Kahle Arena. "It is so great that old Jess Kahle and old Jack Huyler, these two guys who kept this program, are side by side here at The Thacher School, with the Friendship Barn looking down on the Jess Kahle Arena for years and years to come. And this is what I say folks, we’re all here for a short time, but let’s protect this Horse Program forever."
Now, thanks to the vision and generosity of so many who hold fond memories of Jesse Kahle along with a shared commitment to Thacher's Horse Program, this new facility will extend Jess's legacy at Thacher.
Jesse loved horses, and he loved working with them to develop their full potential. I think he felt the same way about people, especially kids. Over his 57 years associated with Thacher, Jesse was a teacher and an inspiration. —Bruce Oxley
Those blue eyes are looking down here pretty constantly now, and my goal is to preserve this Program in a way Jesse would like. —Cam Schryver
There is little doubt that Jess would approve of the facility built in his name. The new arena is a tremendous improvement in both functionality and safety over its predecessor, the smaller, awkwardly-shaped Sand Arena. The arena footprint has been expanded and the foundation laid with a 1 percent grade for proper drainage. The project also includes a separate round pen, 6" of special arena sand, LED arena lights, a sprinkler system, dust control, and a wireless sound system.
The students and horse faculty have been excited to use this great new riding space.
When we were practicing our drill for the Jess Kahle Arena dedication, the new LED lights were really great. With our busy schedules, the only time we could all practice together was in the evening, which would have made practicing difficult had it not been for the lighting. Also, it's much bigger than the old Sand Arena, so we were able to include more complicated maneuvers in our drill. We are all so thankful for the increased space we have now. —Lachlan Nutting '14
The thing that I find to be the coolest is the lights. It allowed us to practice for our riding demonstration for the grand opening during formal dinner (after sunset), and although it was a long day of riding for some of us, we all really enjoyed it. It sort of felt like we were in a professional sports stadium at night, with the lights on us, although the millions of screaming fans were missing. —Colin Troughton '16
It is wonderful to have a larger arena space so close to the barns, especially in the fall when it takes 45 minutes for the freshmen to get saddled. The new Jess Kahle arena is definitely an improvement with its size, lighting, footing, and dust control. What a great place to ride! —Dana Vancisin, member of the horse faculty
It is wonderful to have a larger arena space so close to the barns, especially in the fall when it takes 45 minutes for the freshmen to get saddled. The new Jess Kahle arena is definitely an improvement with its size, lighting, footing, and dust control. What a great place to ride! —Dana Vancisin, member of the horse faculty
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