Find a horse riding instructor in San Francisco, CA

Find horse riding lessons in San Francisco, CA

Find horse riding lessons in San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, CA

Students agree: these San Francisco horse riding lessons are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Thomas Ranch

Thomas Ranch

5.0(2)
2 hires on Lessons
40+ years in business
Serves San Francisco, CA
Jannelly S. says, "I'm only two lessons in but a very good experience. Eric is a holistic teacher so you understand how everything goes together. " Read more
Golden Ridge Stables

Golden Ridge Stables

5.0(2)
1 hire on Lessons
17+ years in business
Serves San Francisco, CA
Nancy B. says, "I have been riding with Golden Ridge for nearly eleven years. The trainer-instructor Teddi Estes is superb at helping riders be comfortable on a horse. She is patient, kind, and extremely knowledgeable about Saddlebreds and about good riding. Her clients range in age from four to nearly seventy, and she instructs them all with ease. Moreover, her horses are happy, healthy, and in superb condition. As far as I’m concerned, Golden Ridge is one of the top Saddlebred barns in California, if not the entire West." Read more
Horizons East Equestrian Center

Horizons East Equestrian Center

New on Lessons
4 hires on Lessons
Serves San Francisco, CA
Hi there! Please give us a call and we can chat about lessons.
Fantasy Equestrian

Fantasy Equestrian

New on Lessons
4+ years in business
Serves San Francisco, CA
English riding lessons based on natural horsemanship, positive reinforcement, and effective biomechanics. Fun supportive groups for riders of all levels and ages. Focus on horse care from the ground up, hunter jumper equitation, dressage foundations, and trail tactics.
St. Francis Riding Club

St. Francis Riding Club

New on Lessons
9+ years in business
Serves San Francisco, CA
The Sharing Economy meets The Horse World. We know how much you'd love to own a horse, go riding on the weekends, and enjoy the camaraderie at the barn. That's what we're here for! Our Club Horses are beautifully kept, exceptionally well trained, mounts that suit your riding ability and match your personality. The staff and stables are ready to accommodate your schedule and make riding fun and easy. The grooms have your horse ready when you are and our Instructors are available to guide your adventure and passion....

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 San Francisco horseback riding instructors

Recent success stories from people in the San Francisco area.
Angie D.
Excellent instruction from a professional, experienced teacher. I am enjoying my time at Thomas Ranch immensely!
Thomas Ranch
Jean B.
Teddi is a very talented trainer with horses - yet she is also an extremely talented teacher when it comes to children. She taught my two boys to ride over the course of six plus years and I will be forever grateful for her for the patience and endurance that she exhibited with my boys. They went on to show and did a fantastic job and I was so proud of them. They could not have done this without Teddi’s incredible instruction.
Golden Ridge Stables
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