Find a horse riding instructor in Santa Ana, CA

Find horse riding lessons in Santa Ana, CA

Find horse riding lessons in Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA

Students agree: these Santa Ana horse riding lessons are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Elizabeth Johnson

Elizabeth Johnson

5.0Exceptional(9)
Serves Santa Ana, 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
King Performance Horses

King Performance Horses

5.0(2)
5 hires on Lessons
65+ years in business
Serves Santa Ana, CA
Steven S. says, "No words can say how good she is discompletely outstanding." Read more
Fun With Horses

Fun With Horses

New on Lessons
1 hire on Lessons
24+ years in business
Serves Santa Ana, CA
Fun with Horses 949 285 5286 Www.havefunwithhorses.com Working with horses and sharing my experience with people.
Lucky Dog Ranch

Lucky Dog Ranch

5.0(2)
1 hire on Lessons
8+ years in business
Serves Santa Ana, CA
Jo R. says, "Excellent instruction and great philosophy " Read more
Mindful Riding

Mindful Riding

5.0Exceptional(5)
1 hire on Lessons
24+ years in business
Serves Santa Ana, CA
Matt H. says, "She was professional, personable and patient. She not only helped re-train our horses, she helped train us. Her recommendations on exercise, health, feeding, riding, breaking 'barn sour' and 'buddy sour' habits, encouraging the horses to go on new trails, how to ride without a bit, how to ride shoeless horses, going tack shopping with us, saddle fitting...you name it. Very, very helpful!" Read more
Got Horse Trails

Got Horse Trails

5.0(4)
25+ years in business
Serves Santa Ana, CA
Paula D. says, "Great place togo🦄" Read more
Yater Performance Riding

Yater Performance Riding

New on Lessons
2 hires on Lessons
9+ years in business
Serves Santa Ana, CA
We offer lessons to ages 3 and older our lesson horses are mainly rescue horses who needed a second chance in life an now here at ypr getting love an attention. I love that our company is one of the cheaper facilities so anyone can enjoy the ride . we offer all our students how to groom saddle an ride . you learn all you can with us :)
Sandman’s Ranch

Sandman’s Ranch

New on Lessons
1 hire on Lessons
13+ years in business
Serves Santa Ana, CA
Come ride at our barn located in Beautiful Orange park trail rides and arena or just come hang out! My no is 714-783-5510 very therapeutic, Hope to here from you soon. We suggest a visit to the ranch to further help u make a decision. I love seeing happy faces when connecting with our horses
Sunset Ranch

Sunset Ranch

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

Pony Driving School

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

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 Santa Ana horseback riding instructors

Recent success stories from people in the Santa Ana 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
Susana M.
JJoline King Pebley is an amazing trainer. She grew up in the business. Her parents were master trainers. You will start becoming a better rider from the very first lesson. And she makes every lesson fun.
King Performance Horses
Susie G.
How nice Cindy was and patience
Lucky Dog Ranch
Michelle D.
Victoria's clear instruction and easy manner has made me comfortable on a horse for the first time. she points out the nuance physical actions so I can now give clear directions to the horse. she makes it fun and productive so I make quick improvements
Mindful Riding
Paula D.
Lots of fun! Karen is great instructor. Love spending my time here. Hands on is such an awesome experience!!
Got Horse Trails
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