Find a horse riding instructor in Washington, DC

Find horse riding lessons in Washington, DC

Find horse riding lessons in Washington, DC

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 Washington, DC

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 Washington, DC

Students agree: these instructors are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Kirsi Nevalainen Equestrian Services

Kirsi Nevalainen Equestrian Services

New on Lessons
Serves Washington, DC
Having had experience in four countries with more than thousand students in three languages I have noticed how well my students improve. I feel that my skills of communicating are the best and my students have several ahaa -moments because of that.
K. Goodman Rides

K. Goodman Rides

New on Lessons
Offers online services
3 hires on Lessons
Serves Washington, DC
I give private and semi-private lessons on the students owned, leased, or barrowed lesson program horse on an hourly basis in person. I give English riding lessons and specialize in hunters and jumpers, but also have competitive experience competing and coaching eventing and dressage. Via phone or internet, I coach performance riding by providing virtual coaching that focuses on mental performance, biomechanics, and horse and rider fitness. My special passion is performance in riding and I hold several certifications in horse training, riding instruction, therapuetic riding, mental performance, fear and anxiety, and biomechanics, in additi...
Center Peace Farm, Holistic Health & Horsemanship<br><a Href=

Center Peace Farm, Holistic Health & Horsemanship<br><a Href=

5.0(2)
2 hires on Lessons
Serves Washington, DC
Boutique style, goal oriented riding instruction along with intuitive coaching and holistic, natural approach to riding, training and competing. Learn from a rated horse show judge and lifelong equestrian. Center Peace is a non toxic environment, using natural remedies to strengthen immunity of the animals, protect clients and offset the accumulation of chemicals on our environment. Lyndi’s mission is to educate, empower and inspire a lifestyle that is clean and green, natural and holistic. A healthy planet, healthy horses and a healthy you❤️ Offerings include traditional riding instruction, training, horse leases, sales, horse show coaching,...
Hunter/Jumper Lessons

Hunter/Jumper Lessons

New on Lessons
Serves Washington, DC
I am looking to teach a couple lessons on the side for those who have their own horse, I can come to you. I have owned a hot OTTB for almost 15 years and have extensive experience riding all types of horses, particularly greenies. My primary discipline is hunter/equitation. Thanks!
Harrison’s Sports

Harrison’s Sports

5.0(1)
Offers online services
1 hire on Lessons
Serves Washington, DC
Lucy S. says, "Very entertaining, my son loved it and we also enjoyed watching and wish for my son to continue." Read more
Horseback Riding Lessons

Horseback Riding Lessons

New on Lessons
Serves Washington, DC
I take a horse centered approach teaching so that, in addition to proper equitation, students learn to truly understand their horses as individuals which ultimately leads to a higher quality of their riding abilities. I love seeing my students become more than just good riders and grow into true horse people. I seek to foster the ability of my students to understand their horse as an individual and modify their equitation to work with their horses needs for reaching their full potential....
Plimpton Equine Services

Plimpton Equine Services

New on Lessons
Serves Washington, DC
I solely focus on the relationship between horse and rider which enables a positive experience on both ends of the reins. I myself am a show jumper, rodeo queen, and am known as the horse therapist. I work to build compassion and respect before engaging in rigorous activity. I have been riding for 16 years all over the country. Being the mediator between animal and human is my passion as well as improving skills on both halfs. MUST HAVE HORSE!
SaddleUp4Fun

SaddleUp4Fun

New on Lessons
Serves Washington, DC
SaddleUp4Fun is all about learning ti bond and care for horses while having fun.We enjoy working with people who are willing to learn to ride. We have been blessed with the opportunity to teach others how to ride for 2 yrs.
Andrew Hungerford

Andrew Hungerford

New on Lessons
Offers online services
Serves Washington, DC
I enjoy passing on skills and abilities that enable folks to get out and enjoy themselves safely, with confidence over different terrain.
VSP Dressage

VSP Dressage

New on Lessons
Serves Washington, DC
Michelle von Schmidt-Pauli has spent over 30 years studying dressage. She is skilled in coaching students in all aspects of horsemanship ~ not just in the saddle. In working with a variety of horses her methods concentrate on the individual horse and It’s needs. Training methods are kept relaxed with an emphasis placed on the understanding between horse and rider which comes from a confidence in each other as well a secure and correct rider position. These techniques combined with classic training methods will produce a solid foundation that will improve any discipline. Contact Michelle to schedule a lesson at your farm or trailer-in to

Your Horseback Riding Lessons questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 Washington horseback riding instructors

Recent success stories from people in the Washington area.
Alyssa P.
Lyndi has years of experience in horses, but never stops developing herself as a professional. She always has something new to try for you and your horse and always has everyone’s comfort and best interest in mind. I have been working with her on and off for 10 years. She’s helped me with not only my confidence in riding but has helped me develop confidence in my horsemanship skills!
Center Peace Farm, Holistic Health & Horsemanship<br><a href=
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