Find a horse riding instructor in Poway, CA

Find horse riding lessons in Poway, CA

Find horse riding lessons in Poway, CA

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

Confirm your location to see the best horseback riding instructors near you.
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Top 10 horseback riding instructors in Poway, CA

Students agree: these Poway horse riding lessons are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Hegewisch Stables

Hegewisch Stables

5.0(4)
4 hires on Lessons.com
29+ years in business
Serves Poway, CA
Dan P. says, "Ive recently had a fantastic experience at Hegewisch Stables. Karla's commitment to her students and her craft is truly commendable. She creates a positive and challenging environment that encourages growth in a healthy way. Highly recommend for anyone looking to learn and excel in this sport!" Read more
Medosi Dressage Horse Riding Coaching And Training

Medosi Dressage Horse Riding Coaching And Training

5.0(4)
20+ years in business
Serves Poway, CA
Makena S. says, "Marie treats the horses with the highest level of care and she’s a wonderful person and trainer. " Read more
Hunter Valley Riding Academy

Hunter Valley Riding Academy

Serves Poway, CA
If you are looking for cheap lessons in a backyard barn set up with an instructor with minimal teaching experience who spends half the lesson on their phone - WE ARE NOT THAT PLACE. Hunter Valley Riding Academy offers quality riding lessons and training on owned, leased and school horses. With over 40+ years combined professional experience, we strives to create a program for every student. Whether beginner or advanced, we will help you reach your goals, regardless of how modest or lofty they may be, and have a great time along the way! Emphasizing safety always, each rider is taught the skills needed to become an effective, balanced, confid...
Debbie Steglic Natural Horsemanship

Debbie Steglic Natural Horsemanship

5.0(1)
15+ years in business
Serves Poway, CA
Donna says, "Debbie Steglic is a wonderful horse trainer! Her many years of study and applying that learning to training her own horses have given her the skills to help others. Debbie has the ability to quickly analyze what the horse and rider need in order to be an effective team. She then develops a plan to train the rider to more effectively communicate with the horse by using proper queues, timing of pressure/releases, and positive reinforcement. Before I started working with Debbie, I had worked with a number of other trainers. No one has helped me improve my success with my horse like she has! She helped me solve multiple problems, including resistance, biting, and lack of impulsion. Debbie is very patient and stresses the importance of making baby steps toward continuously improving horse and rider performance. She does not expect her students to be perfect! Debbie is very flexible and has the depth of knowledge that allows her to come up with many different solutions to solve horse and rider issues. She experiments with these various tools until she finds the ones that work best for a specific horse and rider team. There are no “canned solutions!” Before I started working with Debbie, I was frustrated, made excuses for not riding, and was ready to sell my horse. Now, I am eager to spend time in the saddle, and my horse has a smile on his face and a soft swing in his tail! I highly recommend Debbie to anyone who wants to improve horse communication, technical skills and develop a better partnership with their horse! --Donna Tierney ​ ***** " Read more
Harvest Ranch Ministry

Harvest Ranch Ministry

5.0(1)
26+ years in business
Serves Poway, CA
Sarah B. says, "Miss Ronalynn's style and one on oneness with the students is something I never experienced in the same way with anyone else. She's very patient and dedicated to her students, not to mention an AMAZING horseman." Read more
Salisbury Farms

Salisbury Farms

17+ years in business
Serves Poway, CA
Excellent horseback riding instruction. This is a fantastic riding school. All riders are progressed through a series of levels that promote safety, fun, and effective rider development.
San Diego Riding Academy

San Diego Riding Academy

10+ years in business
Serves Poway, CA
San Diego Riding Academy, founded in 2011, is based in Lakeside, California and serves its surrounding areas. They specialize in offering horseback riding lessons to riders of all ages and skills, from beginner to advanced. They provide a friendly and professional program that focuses on understanding horses and honing horseback riding skills. The academy stands out for its belief that all horses can be happy and productive, and all riders can improve their skills through compassionate instruction.
Opus Equinus Farms

Opus Equinus Farms

Serves Poway, CA
Opus Equinus Farms, based in Encinitas, California, is a leading provider of top-quality hunter, jumper, and equitation training. With a focus on quality over quantity, the firm is led by veteran equestrian trainer, Jill Richardson. Opus Equinus Farms operates out of the prestigious Wildflower Ranch, making it a premier show barn in the area. Notably, the company is women-owned and is committed to helping both horse and rider develop winning skills.
Rancho Cielo Equestrian Facility

Rancho Cielo Equestrian Facility

9+ years in business
Serves Poway, CA
UK Equestrian Riding School, founded in 2008 and located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA, specializes in English Hunter/Jumper equestrian training. With over 20 years of experience, head trainer and owner, Graeme Dixon, along with a team of senior and junior trainers, offers tailored programs to help all students, from beginners to advanced riders, achieve their specific goals. The school provides a safe, fun environment, focusing on thorough horse care and safety, while fostering a learning atmosphere from the ground up.
Poway Valley Riders Association

Poway Valley Riders Association

65+ years in business
Serves Poway, CA
Founded in 1960, Poway Valley Riders Association is a cornerstone of the Poway, California equestrian community. This 14-acre private riding facility and show grounds specialize in various disciplines including Western, Dressage, Jumping, Polo, and Gymkhana. Catering to riders of all ages, it provides a safe, fun, and educational environment. A community connector, PVRA remains a focal point for riders throughout San Diego County.

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 Poway horseback riding instructors

Recent success stories from people in the Poway area.
Yingbin C.
My daughter really enjoyed her horse riding lessons with Annie, and she is clearly making progress. She took lessons at a different place for about a year several years ago, and Hegewisch Stables lessons are more structured as well as individualized for her.
Hegewisch Stables
Taylor C.
I have received nothing but the best instruction from Marie. She is clear, patient, and works hard to make sure her students are achieving their goals. Simply the best as a trainer, horse woman, and person
Medosi Dressage Horse Riding Coaching and Training
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