Equestrian Riding Lessons: Resources and Guides

In order to become a more skilled horse rider, you will eventually need to take lessons. Just as with any other sport, there’s only so much progress you can make before your skills begin to plateau. Once you reach that point, you’ll need the input of an experienced, knowledgeable trainer to help you reach your potential—otherwise your investment in riding helmets, equestrian boots, and hours upon hours of rented saddle time will have been a waste.

Finding equestrian riding lessons in your area can be a challenge. The search should of course start with online directories or the Yellow Pages just to give you an idea of what’s available within a reasonable driving distance. But simply knowing the names of local stables isn’t enough information to allow you to make a sound decision. You should first visit each facility and evaluate it based on the following criteria.

• Cleanliness. A clean facility is a sign that the owners actually care about their horses, customers, and business in general. Is the tack room clean and organized? Are the horses groomed and healthy? Are the outdoor rings and/or indoor arenas well-maintained? If not, start looking elsewhere.
• Safety. It practically goes without saying that safety should be a top priority at any riding school. During your visit, take a good look at the students. Are they all wearing appropriate equipment such as riding helmets and equestrian boots? Do the trainers know basic First Aid and CPR techniques? Is the facility insured? A “no” to any of these questions is your cue to move along.
• Certified trainers. Don’t hesitate to ask about the trainers’ relevant experience and qualifications. The last thing you want to do is pay a lot of money for lessons only to find out that your instructor is a college student on summer break who was hired because she looks good in equestrian boots.
• Number of students. It’s important to know how many students are typically involved in each lesson so you can gauge how much individual instruction you are likely to get. When visiting the facility, take the time to observe one of the group lessons. If there are so many students that you can barely distinguish any faces under the sea of riding helmets, then you should probably walk away. Most schools limit group lessons to six students, so this is a good rule of thumb to follow.
• Ability levels. All students should be grouped according to ability levels so that novices never ride at the same time as experts. This type of grouping makes the lessons safer and more fun for everyone.

Once you find a barn that meets or exceeds these criteria, you can be confident of receiving quality instruction in a safe, clean environment. You can then redirect all your energy on becoming a better rider, which is of course the main goal!