horseback riding lesson

I’m thinking of taking horseback riding lessons. I’m 16 almost 17 and I’m a bit worried that I’m too old to start? I don’t know… I’ve always loved horses and I regret not taking lessons as a young child.

Can you tell me what it’s like taking lessons? Are they usually group lessons or private? Group lessons are cheaper, right? And how much do lessons usually cost?

Is horseback riding overall a fun sport, or is it stressful? Thanks for all of your help!

You’re not at all too old to start; there are TONS of people who don’t start riding until they’re in their 30’s or 40’s. There’s no set age limit on when you can start to learn how to ride; it’s timeless. :]

As for what lessons are like; it depends on what style you’re riding. English or Western. Both are amazing disciplines, with their challenges and difficulties. With Western, you’re able to do barrel racing, roping, Western pleasure, and tons of other things (that I can’t think of off the top of my head ). As for English, there’s jumping, dressage, English pleasure, and, again, tons of others. Both disciplines trail ride as well.

As for group or private, that’s up to you. Group lessons are usually cheaper, yes, but but usually not by much. At my barn, and at some of the other barns I’ve been to in my area, the group lessons were all around $40, and the privates were all around $45. I would recommend, however, that you start off with a few private lessons. That way, as you’re learning the basics and working on your form, cues, etc, you have one-on-one time with the instructor, and they can focus entirely on you. That way, when you do start taking group lessons, you’re ready for it, and not left wondering what’s going on. To sum it up, privates for the first few lessons or so is a good way to make sure you have the basics and such down before going into a group setting.

Overall, it’s a very fun sport. Of course, like any sport, it has it’s stressful moments (the horse won’t listen, something else is going on, etc), but most often those are few and far between. It’s…well, there’s really no words to describe it that can give it justice. When you ride, it feels like you’re flying, like you’re one with the horse, and that it’s just the two of you racing through time. :]

Have fun!

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It’s my weekly horseback riding lesson, and I was wondering if sunglasses would stay put on my head. I’m scared to try O_O would they stay? Would it be disrespectful to my instructor because he wouldn’t be able to see my eyes?

Yes, you can wear sunglasses when riding. I do all the time.

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Hello, I haven’t ridden English (or anything besides trail rides) in 8 years and I have a lesson tomorrow! I am doubtful that I’ll remember everything, so are there any tips or key things I can look up before I go?

Also, I’m currently away at school and do not have riding boots or jodphurs. What alternatives can I wear? Also it’s quite chilly here, so how should I layer up?

I have seen this question more than once. so don’t think you are alone. first of all it is normal to be a bit nervous since you haven’t ridden in a while. Explain this to your instructor before you begin your lesson. But I am betting that you haven’t forgotten as much as you think you have. What you need is confidence so don’t beat yourself up too bad before you even start. Wear something comfortable and easy to maneuver in, and most certainly good shoes, like a nice pair of sneakers or boots if you wish. Now, listen to the instructor, get up on that horse and show them what you’ve got. You can do this, and once you get on that horse and get to feeling comfortable, you will show them that you can actually ride. Now go get em girl!

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Do you need to buy your own equipment–such as a helmet..?

Any info on horseback riding lessons would be helpful!

Hi!
Depending a bit on where you live, plan to spend 25-40 USD for an hour of lesson, which often included how to tack up,lead a horse, mount,warm up, stretch, ride, clean tack,have fun and enjoy the discipline you choose: English for pleasure, dressage,jumping ,trail etc, Western for pleasure,barrel racing,stock work,reining and trail etc.
* Either should require you to have a hardhat, check out Troxel or the lighter weight Aegis for good prices (link below). You might also like your own boots, as a trainer/sneaker won’t get near most barns. If your not sure if you want to buy a pricey set of boots when your just having fun,the hybrid sneaker-boot is comfy(Ariat mens/ladies Terrain). Pants can be soft denims,shirt a long or short sleeved T for summer. Buy stuff later off your trainer’s list. You may be showing soon! why not, its fun.
There are a lot of "instructors" out there,to find one you like and can mesh with: ask at a horse feed and tack shoppe, or boarding stables usually have a instructor handy, and they know people. 4-H and Pony Clubs ( for the under 21’s) also have good people to refer.Then audit a class or two. If sitting in on a class shows you an instructor that you like,often you can buy a "package" of lessons for less than a day by day pay.Clinics and shows are also good meet a trainer places. **Just say NO to buying a "perfect " horse for you the first year:) **Your paying to be taught, not to house and feed a horse * yet* lol. Cost of hat,boots -150. Lessons,100-200/month. Luck!

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I dont have the pants and boots that people normally wear. Ive only been to 1 other class 2 weeks ago. I wore sweats and tennis shoes to the first one.

should I wear jeans to this one or should I wear sweats again?

and what kind of shoes should I wear?

Wear jeans. Wear boots also. If you don’t have boots then wear tennis shoes

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Say an hour and a half group riding lesson, either on your own horse or the stables. English or Western (not jumping).

It runs about $40 for groups near me in Montgomery County MD

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