Horse Serious

At any level, finding the right stable, trainer and lessons are essential. For newcomers to the sport, you need to prioritize finding the right stable and even horse, if you are planning on part-boarding. If you plan on riding competitively, finding the right trainer and lessons will be what determines whether you qualify for shows.

In this mini-guide, we will go over how to find lessons for kids, beginners, and intermediate riders. We will also cover how to find the right stable and lessons, as well as what questions you need to be asking.

How to Find the Right Horseback Riding Lessons

Riders of all levels who are interested in furthering their equestrian careers will need to find the right type of lessons with the right trainer. Even if you don’t plan on competing, you’ll need to have a good understanding of what you are doing while on horseback.

Riding Lessons for Kids

Some parents will try to put their toddlers on horseback, but generally, the best age to start riding is around 5 to 7 years old. This is when the child is maturing, has a longer attention span, and is more willing to ride. Try looking for a stable that offers riding lessons for young kids.

You will want to ask questions regarding their experience with children, safety precautions, and what will the child learn, and try to find some testimonies from other students/parents as well.

Riding Lessons For Beginners

You can be a beginner at any age, and it will be exciting! Finding the right stable and lessons is important, especially if you are a more mature beginner. You want to connect with not only the horse but the environment and trainer. Horseback riding is a commitment, even if you are only taking lessons and not purchasing a horse.

As a beginner, you should aim to take a riding lesson at least once a week. You will want to build muscle memory and if you wait too long between each lesson you have a tougher time retaining what you learned previously.

Call a few stables, take a few tours and even watch lessons with other students. This will help you get a feel of where, what, and who you are signing up with. Ask lots of questions to not only the instructors but also other students as well. Make sure you spend time with the horses while you are visiting each farm. Ask the instructor or barn manager to point out available horses that might be a good fit for you.

• Check if the animals seemed happy and cared for.

• Are the stalls clean with lots of shavings?

• Do the horses seem aggressive, nervous, or happy when handled?

• Are there common safety measures being followed?

Many stables offer lesson packages for new riders. You will be able to start with anywhere from 2 to 5 horseback riding lessons, and you may even receive a discount. These types of packages are great if you are testing the waters before signing up for a larger commitment.

Some student and lesson stables offer helmets and equipment for each lesson, however, it is wise that you purchase your own. Helmets especially, work best when they are only worn by one rider as they mold to the shape of your head. The first essentials for riding are a helmet, gloves, and boots. If you are serious about your safety, which you should be, consider purchasing an airbag vest.

Check out – Helmet Care & Maintenance.

Riding Lessons For Intermediates

Once you’ve mastered the basic riding essentials and are becoming more comfortable on horseback, it is time to start considering intermediate lessons and maybe even competing.

Depending on your stable, you may need to move on and find an instructor who can help you elevate your equestrian journey. Before you make the move to a new stable with a new instructor, you should talk to your current barn manager. There might be another instructor that can help you advance there.

It is important to keep in mind the quality of the horses at your current barn. Some lesson barns only have beginner horses. They may not be able to help you advance. When you are just starting out with horseback riding lessons, riding a variety of horses can help you progress. But, when it comes to actually advancing, you will need to ride horses that have higher skill levels.

Whether you are interested in jumping or learning the basics of dressage, the horse you ride needs to have that understanding as well. You aren’t training a green horse, you need to ride a horse that already knows what to do. Talk to some of the riders at your current barn – they might have recommendations or friends who train/ride at other stables.

What are your goals as an equestrian? – This is an important question to ask yourself before looking for a new stable. Once you start meeting new trainers, be sure to be vocal about what you want to accomplish and if you have a certain time frame.

How To Find The Right Stable For Horseback Riding Lessons

It can be a little daunting when it comes to finding the right stable, especially for beginners, or parents of a beginner. You may not know what to look for or what questions to ask.

How To Approach

When you call or email a stable be sure to ask to speak to the owner, manager, and/or the person that can give you more information about future lessons.

Once you get that person on the phone, introduce yourself and tell them that you are looking for information on horseback riding lessons. Be sure to include who the lessons are for (yourself or your child). Be sure to ask if they are taking new clients or if they can refer you to a stable that is taking in new clients.

What Questions Should You Ask a Potential Stale Before Starting Lessons?

• How many instructors do you have and what are their qualifications?

• Do they have lesson horses, how long have the horses been used for lessons and why do they use those horses?

• Does the stable specialize in specific disciplines?

• What age range are the students?

• Does the stable have insurance?

• Are the lessons private, semi-private, or group, and what is the cost?

What To Look For In A New Horse Stable

You will need to investigate the stable in addition to asking questions.

• Take a tour.

• Look online for reviews and testimonies.

• Ask your equestrian friends.

• Are the horses happy when being handled?

• What is the condition of the arena, stalls, and overall facility?

• Watch a lesson in progress, especially with the trainer you may be working with.