Find a horse riding instructor in Santa Monica, CA

Find horse riding lessons in Santa Monica, CA

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

Students agree: these Santa Monica horse riding lessons are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Davids Naterul Horsemanship And Guided Riding

Davids Naterul Horsemanship And Guided Riding

New on Lessons
5 hires on Lessons
23+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
I have over 40 years in riding experience. I focus my lessons in Center point riding and balance. Once my students learn this I can take and train them I several disciplines such as hunter/jumpers, hunter hack, and/or western disciplines. I love the relationship between horse and rider, and teach my students to injoy there horses like they would a long lost friend.
Guerrero Rides

Guerrero Rides

New on Lessons
3+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
The way that you connect with a horse is going to set up a bound between you two after that is yest to give love and care to echther of you..
Marcel Miller

Marcel Miller

New on Lessons
Offers online services
5 hires on Lessons
29+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
I started teaching when I was 15. Yes, it was a hobby business, but the kids and parents loved it. At that time it was only horseback riding. More serious it became in 2007, when I started it as a professional side business. I tought from young (the youngest kids were 4) to old. My oldest student who I teach the accordion is 83 years old. I teach and always tought business people, from reagular emplyee to managers and executive in business and marketing as well as German for some of my clients who work and travel overseas. Teaching and tutoring was always more than just a job, I truly enjoy giving experience to studens and clients and they ...
Jigsaw Farms

Jigsaw Farms

New on Lessons
5+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
I teach horseback riding, Equine therapy (EAGALA) ground based, Equine Yoga, and art. Certified Equine Specialist in the EAGALA Method. Pursuring 200 hour yoga teacher training. Bachelor Degree in Art from UC Santa Cruz. Archery - child's archery I am passionate about teaching beginners and intermediate riders on the importance of biomechanics of the rider. I do this is a fun and constructive way so that the rider find alignment and harmony when riding a horse. Equine therapy is very transformative and helpful for anyone who is looking to better themselves. It is wonderful seeing the progress people make in the present of horses. Equine ...
Blue Waters Ranch

Blue Waters Ranch

5.0(2)
4 hires on Lessons
15+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Londa C. says, "My daughter loves Amy. She is learning everything from horse care to saddling and riding. Flexibility is superb and willingness to work around schedules. She makes it fun for my daughter. We love it!" Read more
Sunset Ranch

Sunset Ranch

New on Lessons
95+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Teaching horsemenship
Storybook Equestrian

Storybook Equestrian

5.0Exceptional(10)
6+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Destiny E. says, "Michelle is amazing! Once you’re on the horse she can automatically see where you need improving and your strengths. Michelle explains perfectly how to place your body to make everything easier. She’s not only a great teacher but an efficient one. Which is what you need when you’re focused on not falling off of a horse. Happy to say, thanks to Michelle, I’ve never fallen off!" Read more
Pony Driving School

Pony Driving School

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

Laughlin Colt Co.

New on Lessons
23+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Brian Laughlin, owner of Laughlin Colt Co. has been in the horse most if his life. He is a professional farrier and horse trainer dealing with colts to finished horses. His passion for teaching horses and humans is unmatched. Brian loves to see horse and human connect, and grow together. Give Brian a call to see what he can do for you! 818-629-4959

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 Monica horseback riding instructors

Recent success stories from people in the Santa Monica area.
Melissa N.
Amy has been an amazing coach to my 11-year-old daughter. In less than six months she brought her from a beginner barrel racer knowing the basics, to competing in Gymkhanas and winning ribbons. She is very patient with the kids and always keeps it fun while being safe. Plus, she is just a genuinely nice person! We love Amy and highly recommend her services.
Blue Waters Ranch
Spencer G.
So you want to learn how to ride horses? Well you could go to your regular, boring and bland equestrian center or..... you could learn from a CERTIFIED BADASS STUNTWOMAN how to ride horses for the stunt business. Oh did I mention as well she teaches you all the fundamentals of taking care of a horse, teaches both Western and English riding and proper body placement when riding . SHE TEACHES IT ALL! Ms. Shock is the equestrian mentor you need to learn on how to ride horses especially coming from a stuntman new to horse riding. Best teacher and also an amazing human being. TAKE HER CLASSES!
Storybook Equestrian
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