Find a horse riding instructor in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Find horse riding lessons in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Find horse riding lessons in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best horseback riding instructors in your area.
Zip code

Student's interests and goals

Find horse riding lessons in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best horseback riding instructors in your area.
Zip code

Student's interests and goals

Top 10 horseback riding instructors in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Students agree: these Rancho Santa Margarita horse riding lessons are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Dana Smith ShowTeam

Dana Smith ShowTeam

New on Lessons
2 hires on Lessons
41+ years in business
Serves Rancho Santa Margarita, 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 Rancho Santa Margarita, 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
Emily Ryan

Emily Ryan

5.0(1)
1 hire on Lessons
5+ years in business
Serves Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Ramona T. says, "So knowledgable and informative. Emily knows so much about horses and teaches in a patient positive manner" Read more
Bridges Equestrian, Inc.

Bridges Equestrian, Inc.

New on Lessons
1 hire on Lessons
43+ years in business
Serves Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Bridges Equestrian is a large and multi fauceted Riding School and Equestrian Training Center. A family business since 1981, we offer the highest quality of instruction and competition training for riders of all levels. As part of the United States Pony Club, we emphasize Sportsmanship, Stewardship and Leadership through Horsemanship. At Bridges, we promote and develop the magic that is the connection between horse and rider, with personalized instruction and attention to goals. Certified through both the USPC and the United States Hunter Jumper Association, we offer show teams for IEA, IEL, (High School and Middle School) County and A-rated...
Lucky Dog Ranch

Lucky Dog Ranch

5.0(2)
1 hire on Lessons
8+ years in business
Serves Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Jo R. says, "Excellent instruction and great philosophy " Read more
Woodland Farms Equestrian

Woodland Farms Equestrian

5.0Exceptional(7)
1 hire on Lessons
28+ years in business
Serves Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Nicole O. says, "When my daughters started learning to ride with Chrissy and her trainers we knew we were in the right place. Chrissy is a true professional and her endless knowledge and experience around horses really shows. Safety is her priority and it’s nice to know that she is a hands-on trainer and gets on all the horses in her barn to makes sure their training is kept up on weekly. I am amazed at the rider my daughter has become in such a short amount of time. Chrissy is a true professional and we couldn’t be happier we found this amazing barn and group of trainers! I highly recommend Woodland Farms if you are thinking of riding lessons for anyone of any age and if you are serious about becoming a great rider... look no further! " Read more
Sunset Ranch

Sunset Ranch

New on Lessons
95+ years in business
Serves Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Teaching horsemenship
Pony Driving School

Pony Driving School

5.0(1)
Offers online services
Serves Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Mark S. says, "Respond to customer service complaints before they happen" Read more
Hardin Ranch

Hardin Ranch

New on Lessons
43+ years in business
Serves Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
We train all levels of riding, we train and teach all rodeo competitions. Roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, team roping, break away roping. Relay riding. We also do colt breaking. Trail riding, we at our ranch rodeo professional and won several titles and championships.
Marla Amormino

Marla Amormino

New on Lessons
12+ years in business
Serves Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
I have worked for many top trainers in the country and have a ton of knowledge to offer. I also am a USEF Lisenced Hunter and Equitation judge.

Your Horseback Riding Lessons questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.

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 Rancho Santa Margarita horseback riding instructors

Recent success stories from people in the Rancho Santa Margarita area.
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
Susie G.
How nice Cindy was and patience
Lucky Dog Ranch
Jose
The entire team is very professional and know their stuff. My daughter has moved up quickly and safely. Safety is always number 1 and the horses.
Woodland Farms Equestrian
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