Find a horse riding instructor in Irvine, CA

Find horse riding lessons in Irvine, CA

Find horse riding lessons in Irvine, CA

Confirm your location to see the best horseback riding instructors near you.
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Find horse riding lessons in Irvine, CA

Confirm your location to see the best horseback riding instructors near you.
Zip code

Top 10 horseback riding instructors in Irvine, CA

Students agree: these Irvine horse riding lessons are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Integrity Sport Horses OC

Integrity Sport Horses OC

5.0(2)
9+ years in business
Serves Irvine, CA
Leslie D. says, "My daughter has taken lessons here for over 5 years and has continued to improve her riding and skill set. Sheri, the owner is patient, knowledgeable and gives thoughtful, clear guidance and instruction. She wants the best for her students and doesn’t rush or push students through. She progresses training based on the riders abilities and when they’re ready, always keeping both the rider and the horse’s safety in mind. Sheri covers everything from basic horsemanship, all aspects of animal care, equipment upkeep and riding etiquette, as well as understanding your horse, it’s abilities and how the rider and horse work together. My daughter has attended numerous shows with Sheri and she spends her time focused on her students and the horses, preparing them for show classes, coaching during and providing feedback after each one. My daughter has been riding since she was 5, so when we finally decided to buy a horse, Sheri was a huge help with the entire process and worked with us to find the best fit. And she continues to provide her support, knowledge and her time, helping us with our horse’s care. Definitely recommend!" Read more
Dana Smith ShowTeam

Dana Smith ShowTeam

2 hires on Lessons.com
42+ years in business
Serves Irvine, CA
Dana Smith Show Team's been located at Rancho Sierra Vista doe 38 years and helping riders fulfill their goals. From beginner to advanced and both children and adults come ride for pleasure or horse showing. We have wonderful school horses to loan you to enjoy learning the wonderful art of horse riding. I serve on the Orange County Equestrian Coalition, Orange County Horse Show Association and Orange County Interscholastic Equestrian League. I'm also a certified instructor with the United States Hunter Jumper Association. I also hold certification with the Large Animal Rescue Team. I personally love teaching and sharing my years of knowledge ...
Elizabeth Johnson

Elizabeth Johnson

5.0Exceptional(9)
Serves Irvine, CA
Tiffany A. says, "Elizabeth is professional and relatable. She understands the psychology of the horse and builds rider’s confidence through clear process of learning. She has taught me so much about riding and working in partnership with my horses over the years! I love taking lessons from her! " Read more
Pulliam Training Stables

Pulliam Training Stables

5.0(2)
2 hires on Lessons.com
4+ years in business
Serves Irvine, CA
Linda H. says, "Excellent experience! Daniel is very patient with new riders, children and older adults who haven't ridden for years. He makes you feel comfortable and takes time to explain things. Highly recommend for whatever stage of a rider you are. He has comfortable gaited horses for lessons." Read more
EC Sport Horses

EC Sport Horses

23+ years in business
Serves Irvine, CA
Riding lessons available on your horse (haul-in or if local to me, I can come to you) and lesson horse available for ages 7 and up. Must have some prior basic riding experience. Specializing in Reining, Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, Ranch Riding and proper horsemanship.
Sunset Ranch

Sunset Ranch

96+ years in business
Serves Irvine, CA
Teaching horsemenship
Emily Ryan

Emily Ryan

5.0(1)
1 hire on Lessons.com
6+ years in business
Serves Irvine, CA
Ramona T. says, "So knowledgable and informative. Emily knows so much about horses and teaches in a patient positive manner" Read more
Prestige Equestrians

Prestige Equestrians

18+ years in business
Serves Irvine, CA
Prestige Equestrians, founded in 2007, is a privately owned horse facility based in Orange, California. The company offers horseback riding lessons for both children aged 2 years and older, and adults who wish to rekindle their passion for riding. They specialize in Hunter, Jumper and Equitation sales. Their top-notch facilities include a custom arena and world class footing. Additionally, Prestige Equestrians is recognized for training and producing top quality hunter, jumper, and equitation horses, under the dedicated guidance of their experienced trainers.
Jae Catalano

Jae Catalano

Serves Irvine, CA
Hi!! I’m an english rider that has trained in hunter/eq/jumpers for 8 years. I’ve owned multiple horses and currently have my ottb Euro. I can teach beginners in western and more upper level in jumping. I would love to be a part of your little ones horseback riding journey!!
Topfire Performance Horses

Topfire Performance Horses

12+ years in business
Serves Irvine, CA
Hello I’m Ashlynn, I have been riding horses since I was 14. I’ve been a trainer now fully on my own for over 3 years and I’m excited to expand my buisness. I strive to teach horses and riders to be the best team they possibly can be. I’m a firm believer in my training that it is my job as a trainer to TEACH the horse to do a job best suited for them rather than FORCE them to do it. I'm very versatile in my training and teaching; from not started horses to finished multiple national champions. Accepting clients whom have never been on a horse to an advanced rider looking for a refresher. I cater to what the horse/rider needs and wants to acco

Your Horseback Riding Lessons questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.com.

How much are horseback riding lessons?

Horse riding lessons cost $45 to $80 per hour, depending on where you live and the type of riding you want to learn. Most riding lessons begin in the ring, where the trainer can safely monitor the beginning rider as they get comfortable in the saddle.

Many trainers offer introductory packages at a discounted price and start beginning riders out in group lessons. As you master the riding basics, then a teacher may recommend private lessons to focus on specific skills or more advanced riding training.

What age to start horseback riding lessons?

There is no particular age that is best for starting horseback riding lessons, instead, it depends on the child's maturity, physical coordination, and interest in horses. Most experts agree that children should be at least 6 years old before taking formal riding lessons.

For young children, the parents should visit a stable to introduce the child to horses and horse care before signing up for lessons. Choose a stable with well trained, gentle horses and experience with young riders.

Do you tip for horseback riding lessons?

Tipping for horseback riding lessons is not customary, but always appreciated. A thank you note is a great way to acknowledge a good teacher and show your appreciation. If you want to tip, 10% to 20% tip is more than generous.

What equipment do I need to begin horse lessons?

Most horse stables have horses and tack for use during riding lessons, so purchasing that is not necessary at the start. Your instructor will let you know their specific recommendations, but the basic equipment you will need to begin horseback riding lessons includes:

  • Helmet
  • Riding pants
  • Boots with heels
  • Gloves

Do I have to own a horse to be able to take lessons?

No, you do not have to own a horse to take riding lessons. Many riding schools and barns have well-trained horses for beginners through experienced riders. Taking riding lessons before owning a horse is a great way to make sure you enjoy riding before committing to horse ownership.

Learning basic equine care before buying a horse is also advised. Riding trainers often include an element of horse care as part of their lessons. Tasks like mucking stalls, cleaning tack, and basic horse grooming are incorporated into lessons and are beneficial to learn before becoming a horse owner.

How often should I have lessons? How many lessons do I need?

The frequency and number of riding lessons depend on your level of experience, riding goals, and budget. Generally, it is recommended that beginners take lessons at least once a week to build foundational riding skills.

Basic riding skills take anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months to learn but the more you ride, the faster you will improve. Riders who take one lesson a week will likely spend their first year focusing on riding basics. Riders who practice more often or schedule additional private lessons will advance faster.

How do I choose a horseback riding instructor?

When looking for horseback riding lessons, be sure to:

  • Start by researching different riding styles and disciplines to help you narrow down instructors that teach the type of riding you want to learn.
  • Visit the stables to ensure you are comfortable with how the horses are treated and the arena is maintained.
  • Ask about group or private lessons and decide which is better for your budget and riding goals.
  • Ask about taking an introductory lesson to try out their teaching style and gauge your interest in the sport.

What questions should I ask a riding instructor?

Once you've narrowed down a list of potential riding instructors, ask them the following questions:

  • What is your teaching style?
  • What are your qualifications?
  • What are your rates?
  • What type of horses do you have?
  • What is your availability?
  • What is your cancellation policy?

Reviews for Irvine horseback riding instructors

Recent success stories from people in the Irvine area.
Callie R.
Firstly, at Integrity Sport Horse, I like the instructor, Sheri Kusaba, is consummate professional, great communicator, well organized, and run with Integrity. Secondly, Integrity Sport Horse provides an education from the ground up, not only in grooming, but in how and why we care for her lesson horses (which are fantastic and well trained from beginning to advanced levels). The lesson horses are beautiful, well trained, well cared for. I became hungry for education and knowledge, the kinds of things you only learn by doing, not a book. I wanted more, to learn not only how to ride feel the horse, understand how the horse thinks, and learn life lessons as well. For example, how the horse responds to me, how I respond to the horse, that's is key, exactly the experience I wanted and receive at Integrity Sport Horse. Sheri is knowledgeable in all area's of horsemanship has a common sense approach to horsemanship, instruction, a professional with decades of experience, most importantly, shares her knowledge, and wants her riders to have same level of Integrity. Sheri Kusaba, Integrity Sport Horse, has beginning riders to advanced hunter/jumper award winning riders. We cheer each other on as in any sport no matter if its your first time on a horse or if a person is advanced levels. I never felt pushed beyond my capabilities, yet I am inspired to be my best, and even if I was anxious to jump over a jump, Sheri will always say, "I would not ask you to do something you weren't ready for." Through her years of experience she could tell it was me holding me back, not the horse holding me back.
Integrity Sport Horses OC
MBR
Elizabeth Johnson has a gift for quickly assessing both the horse and rider in determining what each needs to bring out the best in each other! Great teacher!
Elizabeth Johnson
Joyce G.
Provides excellent service, answers any and all questions, is fast, courteous, and friendly.
Pulliam Training Stables
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