Find a horse riding instructor near you

Find horse riding lessons near you

Find horse riding lessons near you

Share a few details and we'll show you the best horseback riding instructors in Ashburn.
Zip code

Student's interests and goals

Find horse riding lessons near you

Share a few details and we'll show you the best horseback riding instructors in Ashburn.
Zip code

Student's interests and goals

Top 10 horseback riding instructors near you

Students agree: these instructors are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Through Dressage

Through Dressage

5.0Exceptional(6)
Serves Leesburg, VA
Nancy M. says, "Erin is awesome at tailoring her explanations to how I learn. She’s also great about helping me put all the individual pieces together along with giving me areas and patterns to work on between lessons. I love working with her. " Read more
Bascule Farm LLC

Bascule Farm LLC

New on Lessons
2 hires on Lessons
Serves Poolesville, MD
We have experienced, fun instructors who can make your journey as a rider positive, safe and successful. We have a limited number of lesson horses who we call our “Professors”. They’re quiet, sensible and very well trained so are great to learn on! We have some wonderful horses available for part lease, if you find you want to ride more than once a week! We’ve been educating riders and horsemen for 30 years this year. We still love what we do, and surround ourselves with staff that feel the same. It’s a wonderful experience sharing our knowledge and love for the horse!...
Aldie Equestrian Center/Fox Training

Aldie Equestrian Center/Fox Training

5.0(1)
5 hires on Lessons
Serves Stone Ridge, VA
Carolyn Holloway (. says, "professional and responsive" Read more
Heart Of Riding, LLC

Heart Of Riding, LLC

New on Lessons
Top Pro
Serves Frederick, MD
I created Heart of Riding, LLC to serve two purposes: 1) to be a riding coach for the people who want to be deeply connected, balanced, and highly skilled riders, and 2) to help horses and their partners learn a common language, making the relationship one of partnership and mutual joy. I am a Mary Wanless accredited Ride With Your Mind Coach, and have studied rider biomechanics (the way the rider sits and balances so the horse can move better) since 2002. I graduated from college with a degree in Equine Management with a Teaching track in 2000. Prior to that I was an average rider, riding school horses at a balance seat barn in Virginia from...
Fitzgerald Stables

Fitzgerald Stables

5.0(1)
2 hires on Lessons
Serves Stone Ridge, VA
Dianna B. says, "Tammy and Erin where amazing with the kids. Their facilities were immaculate. Our family truly had an amazing time. We would love to visit them again." Read more
20/20 Horsemanship

20/20 Horsemanship

5.0(1)
3 hires on Lessons
Serves Leesburg, VA
Katherine says, "Loretta is great with adults coming back to riding. She shares information about how and why what we do with our body matters. The horses are well cared for and easy and fun to work with." Read more

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 Ashburn horseback riding instructors

Recent success stories from people in the Ashburn area.
Anna D.
Erin is a great trainer and cares about the horses and the riders. She is professional, patient, kind, dedicated and fair. She has a wealth of experience and has a great toolbox of ideas to try if a rider or horse does not understand a concept.
Through Dressage
How Lessons works
Search

Search, get cost estimates, contact instructors, and book—all for free.

Compare

View profiles, read reviews, check qualifications, and see prices before hiring.

Hire

Ask questions, confirm their availability, and hire the right instructor when you're ready.