Beginner’s Guide to Horseback Riding Lessons

So you think you might be interested in taking horseback riding lessons? Great! Here’s a general overview of what to expect as you get started.

A horse wearing a purple fly mask stands in a corral under a partly cloudy sky with a rainbow arching over distant desert mountains. The corral has shade structures, hay nets, and a large purple ball on the ground, creating a peaceful scene after the rain.

Finding the Right Riding School

Begin by looking for riding schools in your area. You can search online (Google is your friend!) or check social media. If you’re new to horseback riding—or it’s been years since you’ve ridden—make sure to find a place that welcomes beginners. Contact a few facilities and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Questions to Ask an Instructor

Here are some good starting points:

• What is your background and training?

• Do you teach beginners?

• What disciplines do you teach? (We’ll talk more about this in a later blog!)

• What are your lesson hours?

• Do you offer private or group lessons?

• What is included in the lesson?

• Will I learn how to get the horse ready, or will the horse already be tacked up?

• How much does a lesson cost, and how long does it last?

• What should I bring?

• Do you have helmets available for beginners to borrow?

Of course, you can come up with many more, but this list will help you get started.

Image of someone filling out forms on a clipboard. A person wearing all black in the background.

Professional vs. Hobby Instructors

Look for someone with professional training and teaching experience—not just someone who “grew up riding.” Riding and teaching are two very different skills.

Image of a stack of books with a black graduation cap on top.

Disciplines (English vs. Western)

Unless you already have a specific goal (like barrel racing or show jumping), don’t stress too much about discipline right away. If you want to show jump, you’ll need English. If you want to run barrels, you’ll need Western. Personally, I recommend learning both, because the basics of riding are the same.

A side-by-side collage shows two riders smiling atop a striking black-and-white Gypsy Vanner horse. On the left, the horse wears a green saddle pad and sports flowing mane and feathers, while the rider holds a ribbon. On the right, the horse is neatly braided with a purple saddle pad, carrying a rider dressed in show attire.

Your First Lesson

When you arrive, expect to fill out paperwork. At my program, I have several forms: a contact sheet, liability release, rules sheet, and photography release. The farm where I teach also has their own forms, such as a hold harmless agreement and barn rules.

The horse may or may not already be waiting for you. For true beginners, I usually have the horse out and ready, since the first lesson is packed with information. Topics often include:

• Horse safety

• Grooming basics

• Mounting and dismounting

• Starting, stopping, and steering

• Leading with both bridle and halter

• Untacking and after-ride grooming

• How to safely give treats

Don’t expect to remember everything on day one! I usually tack up the horse for the first few lessons, since I want my students to focus on learning. Riding time is often short in the first month, but that’s intentional—I believe horsemanship (everything you do on the ground) is just as important as time in the saddle. As students get more confident with grooming and tacking, they naturally gain more riding time.

Most beginners start with one lesson a week, about an hour long.

A child in an orange shirt and helmet rides a horse in a desert arena, raising both arms joyfully in the air. The horse walks calmly on a lead rope, with mountains and cacti in the background under a clear blue sky.

What to Look for in a Program

Don’t simply choose the cheapest option. Look at the instructor’s education, experience, and teaching style. (I keep my own prices affordable because of where I’m located, but I could charge much more based on my background.)

Make sure you feel comfortable asking questions. A good instructor will gladly explain things and clarify if something doesn’t make sense. Be honest about your prior experience—guided trail rides don’t count as formal training, and that’s perfectly okay!

Take Your Time

Learning to ride is a process. A quality instructor won’t rush you, but will build a solid foundation step by step. We’ll get to trotting—but not until you’re truly ready.

A Final Note

I’ll be honest with you: learning to ride is hard. It’s like learning a new language. Horses respond to cues the way your dog does, but to communicate well, you have to learn to “speak horse.” Yes, professionals make it look easy, but remember—most of us started as kids. For many of us, the soul of a horse called to ours long ago, and it never let go.