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 Castle Rock horseback riding instructors
Recent success stories from people in the Castle Rock area.
Elaine K.
Great facility and great teachers. Lovely school horses as well. Very happy to have found them!
Aurum Equestrian, LLC
Amanda V.
Zuma's
Sammy M.
Mary is an excellent teacher with decades of experience. While she is extremely skilled at riding, she also makes the experience feel casual and homey, instead of uptight and stuffy. She will push you to be a better rider and get you out of your comfort zone. She’s amazing and couldn’t recommend her enough!
Cherry Creek Riding Club
Paul P.
Lessons are tailored to my goals. In my particular situation I am wanting to work up to horse ownership in addition to riding. Joan has a thorough knowledge of not only riding but all things equine related and is introducing me to the horse world from the ground up. She doesn't simply teach riding, she teaches quality riding with a fine attention to the details.
JD’s Riding Lessons
Gladys C.
Whitney is a natural - she is calm, positive, patient, and instills confidence. Whitney's expert eye pinpoints not only my weak points (kindly!) but also each horse's individual traits that require specific handling.
As an older, novice rider, she never overwhelmed me with too many adjustments to seat, hands, leg, but methodically built me up, so that over time I could feel proper alignment. Over the years, I've listened as other trainers interact with their students, and I'm struck by the difference a gifted and empathetic coach like Whitney makes in my enjoyment of riding.
White blaze equestrian
Kaylee T.
Shaun is amazing.
In my very first lesson with Shaun, I felt like I had learned more in those 30 minutes than the last three months of taking lessons elsewhere combined. She was able to see and correct little habits that I formed that no one else cared to correct me on. Shaun is sharp, and extremely knowledgeable. As an adult who has never had any formal lessons, Shaun has repeatedly gone out of her way to help me not only improve as a rider, but ensure that I have the tools I need to do so -- driving 40+ minutes to get a saddle for me to trial, stopping by the tack store before our lessons to pick out things that I need, helping me try on boots, helmets, show jackets, etc.
She is genuine in her care for her team, and their horses. Meeting other individuals who have been trained by Shaun, they all had the same thing in common, they've followed her wherever she goes because she has been that impactful on not only their riding, but their lives. I think that speaks volumes of not only her ability as a coach and trainer, but as an individual. It's so important to look up to and respect someone who is teaching you, and Shaun makes that easy. So thankful to have found Shaun, and Colorado Equestrian.
Colorado Equestrian, LLC
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