I am going to begin riding lessons, but i don’t have a horse of my own, I will be using one of theirs. I was just wondering will it be likely that on days when i don’t have lessons will i be allowed to come and ride horses?
If you think about it in the context of a business, then most stables do not allow you to ride at any time.
- Riding schools/stables make their money from people riding their horses. So every unpaid ride is costing them money and not making it. Extra feed, shoes and general wear on the horses.
- Horses usually have a heavy work load already. It is important to have horses sufficiently rested between lessons and to keep them fresh. On of the most common things in riding schools/stables is that the horses become sour from over use.
- Insurance and Liability become a major issue. The stables are responsible for you the moment you step onto their property. So particularly in the beginning they would not be keen to let you unsupervised on the property.
Perhaps leasing a horse after you begin your lessons and learn the ropes would be an option. There are all types of lease terms available, from full time access and riding, to part time share arrangements.
Once you are a proficient handler and rider it is "possible" that the owner/manager may allow you to work at the stables and your payment would be more riding time. They may even allow you to ride an unused horse or help with exercise.
But this is normally reserved for experienced people and at stables who have the "need" for extra help. Small stables are less likely to need people cleaning stables and helping out.
Pick your riding stables by the quality of the instructors, horses and facilities. Once you find a nice place that will teach you correctly then the rest will follow.
Have fun riding and good luck 
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