Find a horse riding instructor in Salinas, CA

Find horse riding lessons in Salinas, CA

Find horse riding lessons in Salinas, 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 Salinas, 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 Salinas, CA

Students agree: these Salinas horse riding lessons are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Horse And Heart

Horse And Heart

New on Lessons
22+ years in business
Serves Salinas, CA
Horse and Heart, founded in 2002, is based in Soquel, California and serves the surrounding areas. They are committed to personal transformation through experiential learning with horses. The tranquil setting of their ranch offers a nurturing environment for self-healing. Their team, led by Lori and Ella, leverages their deep understanding of the equine mind to provide Equine Experiential Learning and Intuitive Horsemanship. They also run the Equus Anam Cara program, a non-profit offering effective intervention and alternative therapies for youth and families in transition.
Becky Hart Horse Pro

Becky Hart Horse Pro

5.0Exceptional(7)
Serves Salinas, CA
Lori says, "Becky gave me a solid foundation in horsemanship. Becky works with beginner and advanced riders. As an older, beginner rider, I wanted someone with experience and a world of knowledge. Becky gave me this and so much more! Becky is an excellent teacher and instructor! I highly recommend Becky! " Read more
Glynnsong Farms

Glynnsong Farms

New on Lessons
28+ years in business
Serves Salinas, CA
English riding lessons for beginners to advanced by USDF Gold Medalist. Ride our horse or bring your own.
Thora’s Icelandic.

Thora’s Icelandic.

New on Lessons
33+ years in business
Serves Salinas, CA
Specialize in Icelandic horses but did dressage for years and years.

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 Salinas horseback riding instructors

Recent success stories from people in the Salinas area.
Linda M.
Becky does not just teach one to be a rider. She is a walking encyclopedia of equestrian knowledge that she selflessly shares with her students at every opportunity. Lessons with Becky are the whole package. If one has the desire to learn they will not only become a better rider but your your horse will love you for the knowledge you gain in all aspects of horsemanship. The foundation I received from Becky will always be with me. I will be forever grateful to have had the opportunity to have been her student.
Becky Hart Horse Pro
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