Find a horse riding instructor in Santa Rosa, CA

Find horse riding lessons in Santa Rosa, CA

Find horse riding lessons in Santa Rosa, CA

Confirm your location to see the best horseback riding instructors near you.
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Find horse riding lessons in Santa Rosa, CA

Confirm your location to see the best horseback riding instructors near you.
Zip code

Top 10 horseback riding instructors in Santa Rosa, CA

Students agree: these Santa Rosa horse riding lessons are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Dore Hayes Horse Training, Riding Teacher

Dore Hayes Horse Training, Riding Teacher

5.0(1)
31+ years in business
Serves Santa Rosa, CA
Joelle S. says, "I have started nine horses myself over the years. I am now elderly and decided to purchase my last horse, looking for someone safe. So what did I do. I fell in love with a three-year-old, never been handled, Andalusian stallion. Realizing the smart thing to do this time was to get help, I was fortunate to meet Dore. She is kind, but firm and her corrections are fair. She has been great at getting a rather reluctant guy to move forward well. He dramatically carried his Hind quarters to the left and she has amazed me at straightening him and getting square holes. She is fun to work with, willing to listen to my concerns, and comes to my home so I don’t have to board at a training stable. I definitely recommend Dore" Read more
Thomas Ranch

Thomas Ranch

5.0(2)
4 hires on Lessons.com
42+ years in business
Serves Santa Rosa, 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
The Paddock Club Training Centre

The Paddock Club Training Centre

New on Lessons.com
31+ years in business
Serves Santa Rosa, CA
Join us! The Paddock Club Training Centre is a supportive environment for motivated adults to improve their riding skills. Lessons and Training. Dressage & Eventing. Schooling Shows, Recognized Events, Competition, Hunter Paces, Trail Rides. Always something fun and interesting! #thepaddockclub
Wrightwaypolo

Wrightwaypolo

New on Lessons.com
Serves Santa Rosa, CA
We have a successful, proven program with a 30 year history of introducing new riders to the sport of polo safely and effectively. Nationally recognized Instructors and safe horses to learn on. After a long and successful career playing professional level polo and winning innumerable tournaments and trophies, now I most enjoy seeing students progress and improve. When I see a student properly execute a play or shot I know we worked on together, that's what brings me joy and inspiration as a Coach. Better than any trophy!...
Stroud Show Horses

Stroud Show Horses

New on Lessons.com
34+ years in business
Serves Santa Rosa, CA
I have been showing horses from the time I could walk. Making my clients dreams a reality, either through lessons, training or breeding their next champion, is what brings me the greatest joy.
Apple Creek Training & Lessons

Apple Creek Training & Lessons

New on Lessons.com
13+ years in business
Serves Santa Rosa, CA
Apple Creek Training & Lessons Center, founded in 2013, is a family-oriented riding center located in Sebastopol, California. They provide safe horseback riding lessons and have over 30 years of professional experience in training horses. The center welcomes riders from the surrounding areas, emphasizing a friendly, community-oriented approach.
Ride Off Ranch

Ride Off Ranch

New on Lessons.com
Serves Santa Rosa, CA
Ride Off Ranch, located in Santa Rosa, California, is a family-owned boarding and training facility with over 25 years of equine experience. They offer a wide range of services, including horse boarding, training, and lessons. With personal management and a dedicated team, Ride Off Ranch is committed to providing excellent care and training for horses, catering to their individual needs and ensuring their well-being.
3D Performance Horses

3D Performance Horses

New on Lessons.com
Serves Santa Rosa, CA
3D Performance Horses, based in Fulton, California, offers an extensive range of equine services. Founded by the highly experienced trainer, Dianne Sommerfeld, the company specializes in Cowboy Dressage, Reining, Ranch Riding, and Problem Solving. They conduct comprehensive clinics and lessons, with lesson horses available for all skill levels. Additionally, 3D Performance Horses provides unique lesson packages, catering to the individual needs of every horse enthusiast.
PJB Arabians

PJB Arabians

New on Lessons.com
Serves Santa Rosa, CA
PJB Arabians, located in Santa Rosa, California, is a distinguished equine establishment dedicated to providing an enjoyable and friendly atmosphere for horse enthusiasts. Priding itself on fostering strong bonds between riders and horses, PJB Arabians offers a unique equestrian experience that promises fun, learning, and lasting friendships. Come join the PJB Arabians family and discover the joy of horse riding.
Mark West Stables Inc

Mark West Stables Inc

New on Lessons.com
37+ years in business
Serves Santa Rosa, CA
Mark West Stables, founded in 1989, is a premier equestrian facility located in Santa Rosa, California. They offer a comprehensive English (Hunter/Jumper) lesson program, focusing on horsemanship and the connection between horse and rider, suitable for all levels and ages. In addition to private and group classes, Mark West Stables provides full and half leases, horsemanship classes, grooming clinics, summer camps, schooling shows, and more. Under the expert guidance of Virginie Richard, with over two decades of experience, the team ensures individual attention and a flexible schedule to meet rider needs and goals.

Your Horseback Riding Lessons questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.com.

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 Rosa horseback riding instructors

Recent success stories from people in the Santa Rosa area.
Angie D.
Excellent instruction from a professional, experienced teacher. I am enjoying my time at Thomas Ranch immensely!
Thomas Ranch
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